Constraints to active transportation in older adults across four neighbourhoods: a descriptive study from Canada

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this descriptive study was to compare perceived constraints to active transportation in older adults living in different neighbourhoods and thus, different built environments. An online survey was used to obtain information on perceived constraints to active transportation and linked to the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research (CANUE) and Walk Score® data sets using postal codes. Data on active living environments (ALE) and walk, bike, and transit scores were used to describe the physical characteristics and active transportation friendliness of each neighbourhood represented by the respondents of the survey (n = 82). Significant variability was observed across neighbourhoods for most built environment characteristics. Nevertheless, the perceived constraints to active transportation of older residents of these neighbourhoods were consistent. In particular, cycling infrastructure, traffic conditions/safety, and sidewalk conditions were seen as consistent constraints. Interesting differences were observed when comparing newly developed neighbourhoods to more established ones. This small descriptive study provides further evidence that tackling constraints may require a more holistic approach, as changing one characteristic of the physical environment alone may not be sufficient to facilitate older adults with engaging in active transportation. These findings have important implications for the development of age-friendly policies pertaining to transportation and recreation.

KEYWORDS:

• Age-friendly cities
• cycling
• aging
• walking
• built environment

This article is related to:

Research for city practice

Acknowledgments

Canadian Active Living Environments Index (Can-ALE), indexed to DMTI Spatial Inc. postal codes, were provided by CANUE (Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Data availability statement

CANUE data sets retrieved with permission from www.canue.ca.

Walk, transit and bike scores retrieved from www.walkscore.com.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, grant number 892-2018-1029, as well as the City of Oshawa’s Teaching City fund.

Notes on contributors

Nicholas O’Rourke

Nicholas O’Rourke is a graduate student (Masters) in Kinesiology, with an interest in active aging and physiological mechanisms related to sedentary time, pursuing further education in rehabilitation sciences.

Shilpa Dogra

Dr. Shilpa Dogra is an exercise scientist with expertise in active aging and sedentary behaviour. Her work has recently shifted to focus on creating age-friendly environments that support physical activity and reduce sedentary time.