A1 Journal article (refereed)
Associations between Perceived Outdoor Environment and Walking Modifications in Community-Dwelling Older People : A Two-Year Follow-Up Study (2020)

Skantz, H., Rantanen, T., Rantalainen, T., Keskinen, K. E., Palmberg, L., Portegijs, E., Eronen, J., & Rantakokko, M. (2020). Associations between Perceived Outdoor Environment and Walking Modifications in Community-Dwelling Older People : A Two-Year Follow-Up Study. Journal of Aging and Health, 32(10), 1538-1551. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264320944289

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Skantz, Heidi; Rantanen, Taina; Rantalainen, Timo; Keskinen, Kirsi E.; Palmberg, Lotta; Portegijs, Erja; Eronen, Johanna; Rantakokko, Merja

Journal or series: Journal of Aging and Health

ISSN: 0898-2643

eISSN: 1552-6887

Publication year: 2020

Publication date: 28/07/2020

Volume: 32

Issue number: 10

Pages range: 1538-1551

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264320944289

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73646

Abstract

Objectives: To examine associations of perceived outdoor environment with the prevalence and development of adaptive (e.g., slower pace) and maladaptive (e.g., avoiding walking) modifications in walking 2 km among older people. Methods: Community-dwelling 75–90 -year-old persons (N = 848) reported environmental outdoor mobility facilitators and barriers at baseline. Modifications in walking 2 km (adaptive, maladaptive, or no) were assessed at baseline and one and two years later. Results: Outdoor mobility facilitators were more often reported by those not using modifications or using adaptive versus maladaptive walking modifications. Differences in health and physical capacity explained most of the associations between outdoor mobility barriers and walking modifications. Perceived outdoor environment did not systematically predict future adaptive or maladaptive walking modifications. Discussion: Facilitators may compensate the declined physical capacity and alleviate the strain of walking longer distances by enabling the use of adaptive walking modifications, while lack of such facilitators fuels avoidance of walking longer distances.

Keywords: older people; ageing; residential environment; physical activity; outdoor sports; ability to move

Free keywords: aging; environment; compensation; mobility

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 2