Travel Behaviour and Mobility Challenges Among Older Adults with Chronic Morbidity in Urban Malaysia: Findings from an Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study

Mobility is a critical determinant of healthy ageing, yet evidence remains limited on how clinical, environmental, and structural factors jointly influence community mobility in car-dependent Asian metropolitan settings. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, this study examined factors of trip frequency among 374 community-dwelling older adults aged 55 years and above living with chronic morbidity in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Quantitative survey data were analysed using multivariable linear regression, while qualitative interviews were analysed thematically. Multivariable regression revealed that being male (β = 1.056, p = 0.020), having no formal education (β = –2.888, p < 0.001), actively driving (β = 1.059, p = 0.023), and reporting higher mobility satisfaction (β = 0.714, p = 0.043) were associated with greater trip frequency. Conversely, advanced age (β = –0.103, p = 0.001) and availability of a bus stop near home (β = –1.040, p = 0.007) were associated with lower trip frequency. Thematic analysis contextualised these findings by highlighting the influence of physiological decline, transport convenience, perceived independence, environmental safety, gendered transport reliance, and a disconnect between public transport proximity and usability. The integrated findings suggest that late-life mobility is shaped by health status, transport accessibility and the broader built environment. These results highlight the need for age-friendly transport and urban planning strategies that support mobility and community participation in rapidly urbanising settings.