Physical environmental factors related to walking and cycling in older adults: the Belgian aging studies

Abstract

BackgroundSocio-ecological models emphasize the relationship between the physical environment and physical activity (PA). However, knowledge about this relationship in older adults is limited. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between area of residence (urban, semi-urban or rural) and older adults' walking and cycling for transportation and recreation. Additionally, relationships between several physical environmental factors and walking and cycling and possible moderating effects of area of residence, age and gender were studied.MethodsData from 48,879 Flemish older adults collected in 2004-2010 through peer research were analyzed. Walking, cycling and environmental perceptions were assessed using self-administered questionnaires. The Study Service of the Flemish Government provided objective data on municipal characteristics. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were applied.ResultsUrban participants were more likely to walk daily for transportation compared to rural (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.22, 1.67) and semi-urban participants (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.13, 1.54). Urban participants were less likely to cycle daily for transportation compared to semi-urban participants (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.56, 0.92). Area of residence was unrelated to weekly recreational walking/cycling. Perceived short distances to services (ORs ranging from 1.04 to 1.19) and satisfaction with public transport (ORs ranging from 1.07 to 1.13) were significantly positively related to all walking/cycling behaviors. Feelings of unsafety was negatively related to walking for transportation (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91, 0.95) and recreational walking/cycling (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92, 0.97). In females, it was also negatively related to cycling for transportation (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90, 0.98).ConclusionsUrban residents were more likely to walk for transportation daily compared to semi-urban and rural residents. Daily cycling for transportation was less prevalent among urban compared to semi-urban residents. Access to destinations appeared to be important for promoting both walking and cycling for transportation and recreation across all demographic subgroups. Additionaly, feelings of unsafety were associated with lower rates of walking for transportation and walking/cycling for recreation in all subgroups and cycling for transportation in females. No clear patterns emerged for other environmental factors.

Sociodemographic, biological, psychological, and behavioral correlates of cycling in community-dwelling Japanese older adults: A cross-sectional study

“…Another problem for cyclists in metropolitan areas is lack of space for parking bicycles 32) . The results of our study support the findings of Van Cauwenberg and colleagues, whose Belgian study showed that urban residents were more likely than suburban residents to walk for daily transportation, whereas cycling for daily transportation was less prevalent among urban than semi-urban residents 38) . A third explanation for cycling differences among the study locations might be that living in a low-density area forces people to rely on their automobiles instead of walking and cycling for transportation.…”

“…Moreover, traffic safety may make an important contribution to high cycling rates among Japanese women and seniors. Feeling unsafe has been related to a decreased likelihood of daily cycling for transportation in women, but not in men 38) . Concerns about the environment have been suggested as an important motivational factor, especially for women 40) .…”

“…Concerns about the environment have been suggested as an important motivational factor, especially for women 40) . Additionally, the presence of street lights has been shown to increase the likelihood of daily cycling among older women 38) . In New York, for example, even with lower percentages of women and senior cyclists, the traffic-related fatality rate is almost 20 times higher than in Japan, and about four times higher than London and Paris 32) .…”

“…A second reason for cycling differences among the three locations could be that heavy traffic and congested streets make cycling in metropolitan areas more stressful and dangerous than in suburban areas 32) . Some studies suggest, for example, that the availability of parks and streets with bicycle paths encourages cycling 32,38) . Another problem for cyclists in metropolitan areas is lack of space for parking bicycles 32) .…”

The Built Environment and Walking Activity of the Elderly: An Empirical Analysis in the Zhongshan Metropolitan Area, China

“…Physical activity is positively associated with prevention of chronic diseases, disability, and bone fractures among the elderly [2]. As an important form of physical activity and a sustainable transportation mode, walking is safe, accessible and easy to incorporate into daily life [3,4]. In addition, walking has a low risk of injury and does not require special facilities or equipment [5,6].…”