A1 Journal article (refereed)
Aging towards walkable futures : insights from a multidisciplinary workshop held in Barcelona, Spain (2025)
Vall-Garcia, E., Delgado-Ortiz, L., Alcock, L., Coll-Planas, L., García-Navarro, J. A., Iwarsson, S., Jansà, J. M., Jansen, C.-P., Koch, S., Schwartz, S., Rantakokko, M., Sarukhan, A., van Staalduinen, W., Rochester, L., & Garcia-Aymerich, J. (2025). Aging towards walkable futures : insights from a multidisciplinary workshop held in Barcelona, Spain. BMC Public Health, 25, Article 195. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21223-z
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Vall-Garcia, Enric; Delgado-Ortiz, Laura; Alcock, Lisa; Coll-Planas, Laura; García-Navarro, José Augusto; Iwarsson, Susanne; Jansà, Josep Maria; Jansen, Carl-Philipp; Koch, Sarah; Schwartz, Simon; et al.
Journal or series: BMC Public Health
eISSN: 1471-2458
Publication year: 2025
Publication date: 17/01/2025
Volume: 25
Article number: 195
Publisher: BioMed Central
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21223-z
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99750
Abstract
The aging of the world’s population and the increase in sedentary lifestyles are leading to an increase in walking impairments at older ages. Here, we aimed to comprehensively discuss walking in the context of an aging population; and identify and agree on a list of future research priorities and policy actions.
Methods
We followed a participatory approach and held a multidisciplinary two-day workshop on October, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain, with experts in the fields of aging and walking, and participants from the general public.
Results
A total of 56 national and international participants, from a multidisciplinary background, joined the workshop. They had a median age of 40 years (range 24–83), and 62% were female. Participants discussed the meaning of walking from different perspectives and its change with age and in the presence of diverse mobility-impairing conditions; the emotional and social components of walking; and the role of the environment in walking. Participants identified unmet needs, research priorities and policy actions related to walking in older ages.
Conclusions
This two-day workshop provided a space for professionals and public to comprehensively discuss walking at older ages. Participants highlighted the relevance of a better and more comprehensive assessment of walking; the need to shift focus towards comprehensive health that considers physical, emotional and social aspects as well as individuals’ preferences and expectations; and the importance of translating research into action. Future work can draw on the discussions held during this event in a thought-provoking and hypothesis-generating way.
Keywords: environment; ageing; older people; walking (motion); physical activity
Free keywords: aging; walking; physical activity; environment
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2025
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1