A1 Journal article (refereed)
Neighborhood Walkability, Walking Difficulties, and Participation in Leisure Activities Among Older People : A Cross-Sectional Study and 4-Year Follow-Up of a Subsample (2023)

Tuomola, E.-M., Keskinen, K. E., Viljanen, A., Rantanen, T., & Portegijs, E. (2023). Neighborhood Walkability, Walking Difficulties, and Participation in Leisure Activities Among Older People : A Cross-Sectional Study and 4-Year Follow-Up of a Subsample. Journal of Aging and Health, Online First. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643231191444

JYU authors or editors

Tuomola, Essi-Mari
Keskinen, Kirsi
Viljanen, Anne
Rantanen, Taina

Publication details

All authors or editors: Tuomola, Essi-Mari; Keskinen, Kirsi E.; Viljanen, Anne; Rantanen, Taina; Portegijs, Erja

Journal or series: Journal of Aging and Health

ISSN: 0898-2643

eISSN: 1552-6887

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 23/07/2023

Volume: Online First

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643231191444

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88647

Abstract

Objectives: To study cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between objectively assessed neighborhood walkability, walking difficulties, and participation in leisure activities among older people. Methods: Self-reported 2 km walking difficulty (intact, modifications, difficulties) at baseline and participating in organized group, outdoor recreation and cultural activities at baseline and follow-up were studied in community-dwelling persons (N = 848) aged 75–90. A walkability index, calculated using a geographic information system, was categorized into tertiles (lowest, middle, highest). Results: Residence in the highest walkability areas was associated with higher participation in cultural activities and lower participation in outdoor recreation, while the latter was most frequently reported by residents in the lowest walkability areas. Those reporting no difficulties were more likely than those reporting difficulties to participate in all studied activities. Residence in the middle or highest walkability areas predicted higher participation in cultural activities at follow-up. Discussion: Older persons activity profiles associate with neighborhood walkability and walking difficulties.

Keywords: older people; residential environment; residential areas; walking (motion); leisure activities; leisure; participation