Neighbourhood walkability: Elderly's priorities

• Published in: Research in transportation business & management 2021-09, Vol.40, p.100547, Article 100547
• Main Authors: Distefano, N., Pulvirenti, G., Leonardi, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accessibility; Ageing; Multiple correspondence analysis; Pedestrian path; Survey; Vulnerable users
• ISSN: 2210-5395; 2210-5409
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2020.100547

The benefits of mobility in later life and active ageing have been widely documented and evidenced. Despite its clear benefits, physical activity levels among older people fall short of recommended levels. Older people can have feelings of fear when walking in the outdoor environment. In order to facilitate mobility in later life, it is important that accessible, clearly structured and predictable urban environments are provided. This study wants to understand which aspects and measures the elderly consider more important in order to encourage and improve neighbourhood walkability, considering the influence of age-related declines and experience as road users. A survey was developed in the urban area of Catania (Italy). The total sample comprised 645 participants (355 men and 290 women) aged over 70. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was developed to analyse the data. Results show that elderly pedestrians with minor age-related declines give stronger importance to the walkability along the road, but also focus on improper or aggressive driving behaviours. Pedestrians with major age-related declines give instead more importance to the level of comfort and safety when they cross the road. The driving experience was found to have little influence on elderly priorities for neighbourhood walkability.