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Neighborhood features predict level of physical activity in older adults, presented at the 2006 SBM Annual Meeting in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO - Safe, pleasant neighborhoods that provide opportunities for recreation may promote increased physical activity and reduced loneliness in older adults, according to a study presented today at the 2006 Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions in San Francisco.

Diane King, PhD, Clinical Research Unit, Kaiser Permanente, Denver, CO, and colleagues studied 190 older adults (mean age: 74 years) to determine whether neighborhood features and resident perceptions of neighborhood walkability, safety and social cohesion (i.e., cooperation and trust among neighbors) were associated with self-reported physical activity and loneliness.

Neighborhoods were characterized by conducting walking audits to collect data on pedestrian variables from the Systematic Pedestrian and Cycling Environment Scan and social capital variables from the Neighborhood Brief Observation tool.

Multi-level analyses (investigating both neighborhood and individual level factors), controlling for age, sex, income and health, and clustering of participants within neighborhood, indicated that variables promoting safe walking (e.g., crosswalks and curbcuts) as well having retail stores nearby were associated with greater frequency of walking for errands, but fewer calories expended in total physical activity.

Contrary to expectations, total physical activity was highest for suburban participants and was indirectly associated with fewer neighborhood incivilities (e.g., boarded up buildings, graffiti), which in turn were related to higher perceived safety from crime and higher activity levels, particularly home-based activity such as house and yard work.

Less loneliness was associated with the presence of neighborhood features promoting social cohesion such as neighborhood watch signs, and fewer indicators of territoriality (e.g., window security bars and high fences).

These results show that, for older adults, variables associated with walking for transport may be different than those related to total physical activity and social isolation. Thus, addressing social factors within neighborhood environments to enhance perceptions of safety from crime and social cohesion may be as important as providing walkable communities with convenient destinations.

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