Introduction: In our pursuit of a more equitable and accessible society, both on a global and national scale, ensuring mobility for all individuals is a critical goal. The ability to move safely and independently within communities and homes significantly impacts the daily lives and active participation in society for older adults. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, shall public buildings and places be accessible to people using wheelchairs.
Objectives: What challenges, risks and problems due to lack of accessibility are experienced by older adults who use a wheelchair? What are the consequences of a lack of accessibility for everyday life and participation in society for older adults who use a wheelchair?
Method: The longitudinal document study with a qualitative cross-sectional design is based on reports of discrimination due to lack of accessibility received by Equality Ombudsman (DO) in Sweden during the period 2015- 2023. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is used as a framework to identify environmental obstacles and facilitating factors. These notifications give a unique access to descriptions and experiences of situations related to inaccessibility, injuries, risks and exclusion for older adults using wheelchairs.
Results: Three themes 1) Facing ageism – experiences and difficulties 2) importance of social participation outdoors 3) building resilience – describing changes and transition
Conclusion. As our population ages, mobility challenges become more prevalent. With advancing years, the need for mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, grows. This study adds evidence and highlight the major upheaval experienced by older adults with wheeled mobility from an occupational perspective.