Experiences of Neighbourhood Walkability Among Older Australians Living in High Density Inner-City Areas

Abstract

Walking as an out-of-home mobility activity is recognised for its contribution to healthy and active ageing. The environment can have a powerful effect on the amount of walking activity undertaken by older people, thereby influencing their capacity to maintain their well-being and independence. This paper reports the findings from research examining the experiences of neighbourhood walking for 12 older people from six different inner-city high density suburbs, through analysis of data derived from travel diaries, individual time/space activity maps (created via global positioning systems (GPS) tracking over a seven-day period and geographic information system (GIS) technology), and in-depth interviews. Reliance on motor vehicles, the competing interests of pedestrians and cyclists on shared pathways and problems associated with transit systems, public transport, and pedestrian infrastructure emerged as key barriers to older people venturing out of home on foot. GPS and GIS technology provide new opportunities for furthering understanding of the out-of-home mobility of older populations.

Keywords:

• walkability
• out-of-home mobility
• high density
• neighbourhood
• older people
• active ageing
• global positioning systems

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Project, “The neglected dimension of community liveability: Impact on social connectedness and active ageing”.