PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

Older adults’ mobility is a cornerstone of quality of life, social inclusion, and active aging. Within widely used quality-of-life frameworks, mobility is recognised as one of the key dimensions shaping independence and well-being. Yet, limited empirical evidence exists on how mobility is shaped and constrained in rapidly urbanising contexts such as Malaysia. This study examines weekly travel frequency and its determinants among 497 older adults (aged 60+) in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Using an ordered logit model, the analysis shows that gender, age, income, education, ethnicity, vehicle ownership, and health conditions significantly influence travel frequency. Male, younger, healthier, and financially better-off older adults travel more frequently, while chronic illness, mobility difficulties, limited financial resources, and advanced age act as constraints. Interestingly, education is negatively associated with mobility, reflecting the substitution of physical trips with digital solutions such as online shopping and telehealth. These findings highlight widening disparities in travel opportunities and the need for inclusive, health-sensitive, and gender-responsive transport policies. Strengthening Transit-oriented Development (TOD) by integrating housing, services, and public transport within walkable catchment areas offers a concrete pathway to reduce barriers, enhance accessibility, and support active ageing as Malaysia transitions into an aged nation by 2030.