Views From the Path: Evaluating Physical Activity Use Patterns and Design Preferences of Older Adults on the Bolin Creek Greenway Trail

Though physical inactivity can lead to increased health problems in older adults, few places actually encourage this population to be active by implementing choices that allow the built and natural environment to be accessed by foot or bicycle. In addition, little research has examined older adults&...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging and physical activity 2015-10, Vol.23 (4), p.513-523
Main Author: Dorwart, Catherine E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aging
Attitude to Health
Behavioral responses
Bicycles
Bicycling - statistics & numerical data
Built environment
Data Collection
Elicitation
Environment Design
Exercise
Female
Health problems
Health Promotion - methods
Humans
Male
Natural environment
North Carolina
Older people
Physical activity
Public Facilities
Public health
Residence Characteristics
Walking - statistics & numerical data
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Summary:Though physical inactivity can lead to increased health problems in older adults, few places actually encourage this population to be active by implementing choices that allow the built and natural environment to be accessed by foot or bicycle. In addition, little research has examined older adults' perceptions of design and the relationship between greenways and improving public health, a topic that is receiving popular attention. The objective of this mixed-methods study was therefore to evaluate elements in a greenway's design that the aging population found important and which afforded physical activity. Using a combination of survey questions, photo elicitation, and interviews, data were collected from a sample of older adults aged 65 and over that used a greenway trail. Results of this study indicated that older adults may prefer certain elements on a trail, namely those elements that afforded their choice of activity. Although there will always be limitations to understanding behavioral responses to the built environment, this should not disqualify the benefits of greenways on older adults' physical activity.
ISSN:1063-8652
1543-267X
DOI:10.1123/japa.2014-0128