Preserving older adults' routine outdoor activities in contrasting neighborhood environments through a physical activity intervention

Abstract

While neighborhood design can potentially influence routine outdoor physical activities (PA), little is known concerning its effects on such activities among older adults attempting to increase their PA levels. We evaluated the effects of living in neighborhoods differing in compactness on changes in routine outdoor activities (e.g., walking, gardening, yard work) among older adults at increased mobility disability risk participating in the LIFE-Pilot PA trial (2003–07; ages 70–89 years; from Dallas, TX, San Francisco Bay area, Pittsburgh, PA, and Winston-Salem, NC). Analyses were conducted on the 400 LIFE-Pilot participants randomized to a one-year endurance-plus-strengthening PA intervention or health education control that completed one-year PA assessment (CHAMPS questionnaire). Outcomes of interest were exercise and leisure walking, walking for errands, and moderate-intensity gardening. Neighborhood compactness was assessed objectively using geographic information systems via a subsequent grant (2008–12). PA increased weekly exercise and leisure walking relative to control, irrespective of neighborhood compactness. However, walking for errands decreased significantly more in PA relative to control (net mean[SD] difference=16.2 minutes/week[7.7], p=.037), particularly among those living in less compact neighborhoods (net mean[SD] difference=29.8[10.8] minutes/week, p=.006). PA participants living in less compact neighborhoods maintained or increased participation in gardening and yard work to a greater extent than controls (net mean[SD] difference=29.3[10.8] minutes/week, p=.007). The results indicate that formal targeting of active transport as an adjunct to structured PA programs may be important to diminish potential compensatory responses in functionally impaired older adults. Structured endurance-plus-strengthening PA may help older adults maintain or increase such routine activities over time. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier= NCT01072500

Relationships between Neighborhood Walkability and Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels in Hemodialysis Patients

“…These observations are consistent with those of previous studies in the general population [19, 21]; however, there is a contrast in some select findings in elderly people and those with chronic illnesses including hearing and vision impairments, and musculoskeletal diseases [15-17]. Our study showed that patients who live in more walkable areas exhibited significantly higher physical activity levels compared to those who live in less walkable areas, even though they were older, had a higher prevalence of CHF, and longer HD vintage.…”

“…Urbanicity of residence (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) as well as neighborhoods environment have been shown to be associated with physical activity levels in the general and HD populations [10-14]. Despite this, specific neighborhood characteristics have in some cases not been identified to be associated with physical activity levels in older adults and those with chronic illness [15-17]. …”

The effect of e-cigarette indoor vaping restrictions on adult prenatal smoking and birth outcomes

“…While several studies have evaluated the effect of ENDS minimum legal purchase age laws on traditional cigarette use (Friedman, 2015; Pesko et al, 2016; Pesko and Currie, 2016; Dave et al, 2017; Abouk and Adams, 2017), no published estimates exist on the effect of ENDS IVRs on cigarette use. In our current study, we estimate the impact of ENDS IVRs on adult pregnant women, rather than teenagers, to study this relationship unhindered by state efforts to restrict youth ENDS access through channels other than ENDS IVRs.…”

“…Five studies have used difference-in-differences models to evaluate the effect of enacting these ENDS minimum legal sale age laws on use of tobacco among teens, with four of these studies suggesting that the laws raise teenage cigarette use (Friedman, 2015; Pesko et al, 2016; Pesko and Currie, 2016; Dave et al, 2017) and a fifth study suggesting that it does not and may even lower cigarette use for certain populations (Abouk and Adams, 2017). …”

Moderation Effect of Neighborhood Walkability during a Physical Activity Intervention in Overweight and Obese Elderly Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome.

“…To date, only one previous study conducted in North America has explored the effects of objective neighborhood walkability on self-reported physical activity among older adults attempting to increase their physical activity levels [43]. Despite the lack of an objective measure of physical activity, King et al found no significant interactions for leisure walking between neighborhood walkability and study arm during a 12-month intervention program [43].…”