The Role of the Built Environment in the Community Participation of Adults Aging With Long-Term Physical Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The purpose of this scoping review was to characterize the nature and scope of existing literature on the role of built environments in the community participation of adults aging with physical disabilities (AAwPD). A scoping review was selected to identify the volume and types of evidence available, pinpoint knowledge gaps, and clarify key concepts. Twenty-one articles were included for review, all of which were published within the last 20 years and identified components of the built environment for intervention. Results demonstrated the need for investigators to identify common indicators, use a shared lexicon, and improve dissemination of results across disciplines.

Keywords:

• Aging
• environment
• physical disability
• community participation

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Megen Devine for her editorial assistance and the study participants for their time and effort.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, RHD, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research [NIDILRR grant number 90DPCP0001-01-00]. NIDILRR is a center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This work does not necessarily represent the policies of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and endorsement by the federal government should not be assumed.