The Silver Ways project is an international research initiative that aims to enhance the walkability and urban mobility of older adults by developing a tailored routing system that goes beyond conventional shortest-path approaches. The project integrates these age-friendly routes into a 15-Minute Neighborhood Index, focusing on how easily essential amenities can be reached on safe, comfortable, and accessible walking paths for older citizens. Drawing on interdisciplinary expertise in GIS, urban studies, and economics, Silver Ways is implemented in Mannheim (Germany), Uppsala (Sweden), and Kayseri (Turkey), and funded under the European Driving Urban Transitions program.
Over the past months, we have collected valuable insights through a variety of initiatives: mapathon volunteers provided essential data for the project by helping to map smoothness and surface features; senior participants shared their daily routines and travel experiences in travel diaries; and we have conducted a survey specifically for older adults to understand their mobility preferences and challenges.
Now, we are expanding our survey to include people of all ages. Why? In order to fully understand the mobility needs of seniors, we need a reference group from other age brackets. Comparing the experiences of younger and older residents allows us to identify which route features are universally important—such as distance and directness—and which are especially critical for seniors, like safety, comfort, and accessibility.
By participating, you contribute to more precise, senior-focused conclusions. The insights gathered will help the research team develop a routing app that meets the needs of older citizens.
We invite all residents of Mannheim to take part in the survey: Silver Ways Survey. Participants aged 65 and over are encouraged to complete the older adults Survey, accessible via the main survey page. The survey is currently available in English and German, with Turkish and Swedish versions coming soon.
Take part in shaping a more walkable city for everyone!
