title: Personal factors, perceived environment, and objectively measured walking in old age.
abstract: This study examined the associations between walking behavior and the perceived environment and personal factors among older adults. Sixty participants age 65 yr or older (mean 77 +/- 7.27, range 65-92) wore pedometers for 3 consecutive days. Perceived environment was assessed using the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (abbreviated version). Physical function was measured using the timed chair-stands test. The mean number of steps per day was 5,289 steps (SD = 4,029). Regression analyses showed a significant association between personal factors, including physical function (relative rate = 1.05, p < .01) and income (RR = 1.43, p < .05) and the average daily number of steps taken. In terms of perceived environment, only access to services was significantly related to walking at the univariate level, an association that remained marginally significant when controlling for personal characteristics. These results suggest that among this sample of older adults, walking behavior was more related to personal and intrinsic physical capabilities than to the perceived environment.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
authors.forename: Lucelia Luna
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: de Melo
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Menec
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.forename: A Elizabeth
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Ready
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004779:Environment Design; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*