A1 Journal article (refereed)
Environmental Features Associated With Older Adults’ Physical Activity in Different Types of Urban Neighborhoods (2020)

Keskinen, K. E., Rantakokko, M., Suomi, K., Rantanen, T., & Portegijs, E. (2020). Environmental Features Associated With Older Adults’ Physical Activity in Different Types of Urban Neighborhoods. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 28(4), 540-548. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2019-0251

JYU authors or editors

Keskinen, Kirsi
Rantakokko, Merja
Suomi, Kimmo
Rantanen, Taina
Portegijs, Erja

Publication details

All authors or editors: Keskinen, Kirsi E.; Rantakokko, Merja; Suomi, Kimmo; Rantanen, Taina; Portegijs, Erja

Journal or series: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

ISSN: 1063-8652

eISSN: 1543-267X

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 28

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 540-548

Publisher: Human Kinetics, Inc.

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2019-0251

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/67648

Abstract

The authors studied associations of nature- and infrastructure-based features with physical activity (PA) in different urban neighborhood types; 848 community-dwelling people aged 75–90 years reported PA and three perceived nature-based destinations and seven infrastructure-based features as outdoor mobility facilitators. Neighborhood type was defined using a geographic information system based on proximity to central service areas and residential density (city center, subcenter, and dense and dispersed areas outside centers). PA was higher in dense areas and the city center. Binary logistic regression showed that perceiving nature-based destinations increased the odds for higher PA in the city center and areas outside centers. In dispersed areas, perceived infrastructure-based facilitators were especially associated with higher PA. Environmental features were not associated with PA in subcenters. Higher residential density, as a proxy for a higher amount of infrastructure, rather than center proximity, may underlie older adults’ PA. The spatial context should be acknowledged in studies on environment–PA associations.

Keywords: ageing; geographic information systems; infrastructures; outdoor exercise in nature; outdoor sports

Free keywords: aging; GIS; infrastructure; nature; outdoor mobility

Fields of science: