Neighborhood walkability: older people's perspectives from four neighborhoods in Ottawa, Canada.
This qualitative study examined older people's walking experiences in 4 Ottawa neighborhoods. Seventy-five adults age 65 years and older who had lived in their neighborhoods for at least 2 yr participated in focus groups and individual interviews. Four themes were identified through data analysis: multidimensional personal meanings, navigating hostile walking environments, experiencing ambiguity, and getting around. Neighborhood walking was experienced within the continuum of personal and environmental change. Findings indicated that the concept of pedestrian connectivity must incorporate aspects of both intersection regulation and design to ensure relevance for an aging population. Participants called for more clarity about policies that affect pedestrian safety for older people. The overarching theme of getting around indicated that walkability assessments must consider how walking fits within an integrated transportation system and how accessible this system is for older people.
Grant
Theresa L
TL
Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Edwards
Nancy
N
Sveistrup
Heidi
H
Andrew
Caroline
C
Egan
Mary
M
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D002958:City Planning; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology*