How Design of Places Promotes or Inhibits Mobility of Older Adults

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the environmental features that best support aging in place. Method We conducted a realist synthesis, a theory-driven interpretive method of evidence synthesis, of 120+ articles (published 1991–2011) that attempts to explain how place may influence older adults’ decisions about mobility (e.g., physical activity). We developed an initial program theory, reviewed the literature, identified outcomes, analyzed and synthesized patterns, and created a final program theory. Results Safety was a central mechanism, serving as one of the bridges between environmental components (e.g., connectivity, aesthetics, retail and services) and decisions about mobility. Population density, sidewalk presence, and park proximity did not emerge as key factors. Discussion Safety considerations are one of the most prominent influences of older adults’ decisions about mobility. Street connectivity, pedestrian access and transit, and retail and services were also important. These factors are amenable to change and can help promote mobility for older adults.

Neighborhood walkability, physical activity, and walking for transportation: A cross-sectional study of older adults living on low income

“…For example, a built environment rich with destinations relevant to older adults provides an opportunity to walk for daily travel [13–16]. Yet findings are mixed regarding specific built environment features associated with older adult walking, and physical activity in general [17–20]. Built environment features most consistently associated with older adult walking and physical activity include street connectivity, access to destinations (e.g., shops, restaurants) and features related to perceived safety (e.g., good lighting, absence of crime, presence of crosswalks) [18, 20].…”

“…Yet findings are mixed regarding specific built environment features associated with older adult walking, and physical activity in general [17–20]. Built environment features most consistently associated with older adult walking and physical activity include street connectivity, access to destinations (e.g., shops, restaurants) and features related to perceived safety (e.g., good lighting, absence of crime, presence of crosswalks) [18, 20]. The extent to which an individual successfully navigates his/her environment is a result of the match between the pressures exerted by the environment (e.g., features of the built environment) and the competence (e.g., capacity) of the individual [21].…”

Paisaje natural y envejecimiento saludable en el lugar: el caso del Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey (México)

“…Sin embargo, sigue siendo escasa la comprensión de la identidad ambiental en el envejecimiento saludable (Kahn et al 2009;Olivos y Aragonés, 2011;Yen et al 2014;Sánchez-González, 2014). Así, la identidad ambiental en el envejecimiento puede ser definida como el sentido de conexión o conectividad que se establece entre los lugares o ambientes naturales, donde la persona adulta mayor desarrolla su vida cotidiana, a partir de relaciones emocionales, experiencias y de pertenencia del individuo a determinados entornos (Cuba y Hummon, 1993).…”

Managing Faecal INcontinence in people with advanced dementia resident in Care Homes (FINCH) study: a realist synthesis of the evidence

“…. then' statements and the flip chart diagrams and mapping we had produced were pulled together in a conceptual diagram 77 that mapped outcomes, contexts, barriers and enablers ( Figure 3). …”