Characteristics of residential areas and transportational walking among frail and non-frail Dutch elderly: does the size of the area matter?

ABSTRACT:

Background

A residential area supportive for walking may facilitate elderly to live longer independently. However, current evidence on area characteristics potentially important for walking among older persons is mixed. This study hypothesized that the importance of area characteristics for transportational walking depends on the size of the area characteristics measured, and older person's frailty level.

Methods

The study population consisted of 408 Dutch community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older participating in the Elderly And their Neighborhood (ELANE) study in 2011-2012. Characteristics (aesthetics, functional features, safety, and destinations) of areas surrounding participants' residences ranging from a buffer of 400 meters up to 1600 meters (based on walking

SUBMITTER: Etman A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4015736 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature