Determinants of neighborhood activity of adults age 70 and over: a mixed-methods study

This mixed-methods study investigated personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors salient to decisions about being active in neighborhoods of different levels of deprivation. Twenty-five participants age 70 years and older (10 women) with diverse physical activity levels provided data on thei...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging and physical activity 2012-04, Vol.20 (2), p.148-170
Main Authors: Stathi, Afroditi, Gilbert, Holly, Fox, Kenneth R, Coulson, Jo, Davis, Mark, Thompson, Janice L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ability
Access
Accessibility
Adults
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Barriers
Deprivation
Environmental aspects
Exercise
Exercise - psychology
Female
Functional impairment
Gerontology
Humans
Interviews
Intrinsic motivation
Male
Mixed methods research
Motivation
Natural environment
Neighborhoods
Older people
Older women
Perception
Physical activity
Questionnaires
Residence Characteristics
Social networks
Social Support
Surveys and Questionnaires
United Kingdom
Women
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Summary:This mixed-methods study investigated personal, interpersonal, and environmental factors salient to decisions about being active in neighborhoods of different levels of deprivation. Twenty-five participants age 70 years and older (10 women) with diverse physical activity levels provided data on their weekly activity patterns (using accelerometry) and their perceived barriers to exercise (questionnaire). They also participated in semistructured individual interviews exploring the barriers and facilitators influencing neighborhood activity. Functional limitations, lack of intrinsic motivation, and not having an activity companion were the highest impact barriers. Walkable access to amenities, positive physical activity perceptions, and existing habit of being active were the highest impact facilitators. The perceived quality and accessibility of the built and natural environments influence neighborhood activity in older adults. However, this relationship might be altered through the influence of personal and interpersonal determinants such as maintenance of good health and functional ability and supportive social networks.
ISSN:1063-8652
1543-267X
DOI:10.1123/japa.20.2.148