Independent ageing, climate risks and automobile dependence in the Canadian prairies: Evidence from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

• We study mobility in later life in the Canadian prairies. • We discover distinct leisure travel profiles among older residents. • We identify high car dependence and unequal risks to independent ageing. • We explain differential trends in travel choices and digital technology adoption. • We gauge the potential of emerging transport solution for sustainable and resilient mobility. We examine older adults’ leisure activities and mobility needs in one of the most automobile dependent regions in the Global North, the Canadian prairies. The motivation is to identify chances of independent ageing and sustainable travel as the region undergoes demographic transition while being subject to increased risk of extreme weather events that disrupt mobility. Using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Ageing (CLSA), we identify six groups having different profiles of out-of-home leisure activities that seem to be essential to social connectedness and well-being. We analyse to which extent these practices depend on driving and digital technologies. We identify two groups who show strong signs of transport-related social exclusion. These groups do not benefit from digital technology and are subject to a dual mobility and digital divide that is exacerbated in the context of strong automobile dependence. Policy solutions need to be built on a holistic perspective involving municipal planning, digital skill development, transit funding and adaptation measures. Technological solutions, notably autonomous services, are likely to play a minor role in addressing pressing challenges in the Canadian prairies.