Perceptions of the Neighborhood Environment Associated With Walking at Recommended Intensity and Volume Levels in Recreational Senior Walkers

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship of perceived neighborhood environment factors with recommended volume and intensity of walking in recreational senior walkers. A sample of 85 seniors used an accelerometer and completed the ALPHA questionnaire. Binomial logistic regressions were conducted to detect associations. Perceptions about traffic safety (odds ratio [OR] = 4.395; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.024; 18.866) and pleasant environment (OR = 8.718; 95% CI = 1.803; 42.149) were positively related with the achievement of 10,000 steps per day, in older women. The perception of nearby parks was positively associated with the compliance with peak 30-minutes cadence above 100, in older men (OR = 14.353; CI 95% = 1.321; 15.591). No more significant associations were found between perceptions of the neighborhood environment and walking at recommended intensity and volume levels. These results indicated that community initiatives that encourage traffic safety, pleasant environment, and parks may be a promising direction to promote walking at recommended volume and intensity in senior walkers.

KEYWORDS:

• Seniors
• environmental perceptions
• walking
• social ecological models

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT—UID/DTP/00617/2013).