Dutch mobility scooter championship sheds lights on mobility & social inclusion in old age

After the overwhelming success of last year, the Dutch Mobility Scooter Championship organized by AGE’s Dutch member organisation Gouden Dagen last summer at Circuit Zandvoort attracted sixty-five older persons aged 75+ from all over the country. Braving the rain, the drivers competed in teams for the title of ‘Dutch Champion Mobility scooter 2019’, racing through corners and avoiding different obstacles.

While demonstrating the tenacity of this generation, this untertaining, spectacular event also aimed to draw attention on mobility as a key issue to keep older people out of their isolation.

Currently, 1.3 million people in the Netherlands are over 75 years of age. It is expected that by 2030 this will be 2.1 million people. More than half of the people over the age of 75 say they feel lonely, according to figures from the central government.

Gouden Dagen believes that older people should be able to go out on their own to meet others. “A mobility scooter is – for those who have difficulty walking – an enormous solution. It is easy to use and does not require a driving licence. And it should stay that way. We want to emphasize this message even more with this festive event.”

(source: Mango Mobility article)

The event received wide media coverage as you can see in this press review.