Older Adults’ Outdoor Walking and Inequalities in Neighbourhood Green Spaces Characteristics

Abstract

Outdoor walking has considerable benefits for healthy ageing and older adults are recommended to walk regularly. However, older adults living in high-deprivation areas walk less than those living in low-deprivation areas. Previous research has shown that the characteristics of neighbourhood green spaces (i.e., proximity, attractiveness, size, and number) may influence outdoor walking. This study examines spatial inequalities in the characteristics of neighbourhood green spaces in high- versus low-deprivation areas and their possible influences on disparities in older adults’ outdoor walking levels. For this purpose, it included a sample of 173 participants (≥65 years) and used secondary data and a geographic information system (GIS) to objectively measure neighbourhood green spaces characteristics. Geographic positioning system (GPS) technology was used to objectively measure outdoor walking levels. Data on participants’ personal characteristics were collected by questionnaire. The results indicate that one characteristic of neighbourhood green spaces (i.e., size) is positively related to outdoor walking levels. They show that inequalities in neighbourhood green spaces’ size in high- versus low-deprivation areas may influence disparities in older adults’ outdoor walking levels. Despite inequalities in other neighbourhood green space characteristics (e.g., proximity, attractiveness, and number) in high- versus low-deprivation areas, no relationship was found between these neighbourhood green space characteristics and participants’ outdoor walking levels. Enhancing the distribution or creation of large neighbourhood green spaces (e.g., through creating green space networks) may enhance outdoor walking among older residents, especially in high-deprivation areas.

How urban densification shapes walking behaviours in older community dwellers: a cross-sectional analysis of potential pathways of influence

“…1). While some sequels of urban densification (e.g., access to shops) may act as facilitators of walking [5,13], others (e.g., reductions in green spaces) may act as deterrents [4,14]. Also, the same sequel may be an enabler as well as a deterrent of walking.…”

Physical environmental factors influencing older adults’ park use: A qualitative study

“…For example, positive associations between park proximity and park use or physical activity were found among older adults (Mowen et al, 2007;Ribeiro et al, 2015;Van Cauwenberg et al, 2017). In contrast, null associations between them were reported in other studies (Kaczynski et al, 2009;Zandieh et al, 2019). Although research on older adults use of parks is limited, Aspinall et al (2010) and Alves et al (2008) have reported a preference for parks that have trees and plants, toilets and cafés, wildlife to watch, and where parks are wellmaintained without signs of vandalism and nuisance.…”

“…Park proximity is a widely researched topic for those exploring the impacts of environmental factors on park use and physical activity behaviour of older adults. However, mixed findings have been reported, and it is unclear why this is so (Kaczynski et al, 2009;Mowen et al, 2007;Ribeiro et al, 2015;Van Cauwenberg et al, 2017;Zandieh et al, 2019).…”

Examining Spatial Inequalities in Public Green Space Accessibility: A Focus on Disadvantaged Groups in England

“…Utilising ordinary least squares and MGWR models, we analysed the spatial distribution characteristics of PGS inequality and socioeconomic variables in England, while simultaneously investigating the association between vulnerable groups and PGS inequality. Given England's particular emphasis on the link between green spaces and well-being, along with its attention to health issues, it offers an ideal case study area for PGS research, especially concerning vulnerable groups [44][45][46]. Moreover, previous empirical studies on the accessibility of local public services in the UK have already revealed spatial disparities [45,46].…”