Most older pedestrians are unable to cross the road in time: a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
to compare walking speed in the UK older population with the speed required to utilise pedestrian crossings (≥1.2 m/s), and determine health and socio-demographic associations with walking impairment.


METHODS
cross-sectional study using Health Survey for England 2005 data.


METHODS
private households in England.


METHODS
random population sample of 3,145 adults (1,444 men) aged ≥65 years.


METHODS
walking speed was assessed by timing a walk of 8 feet at normal pace. Walking impairment was defined as walking speed <1.2 m/s or non-participation in the test due to being unsafe or unable.


RESULTS
the mean walking speed was 0.9 m/s in men and 0.8 m/s in women; 84% of men and 93% of women ≥65 years had walking impairment. Female gender, increasing age, lower socio-economic status, poorer health and lower grip strength were predictors of walking impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
most older adults either cannot walk 8 feet safely or cannot walk fast enough to use a pedestrian crossing in the UK. The health impacts on older adults include limited independence and reduced opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. An assumed normal walking speed for pedestrian crossings of 1.2 m/s is inappropriate for older adults and revision of these timings should be considered.
Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK. l.asher@ucl.ac.uk
Laura
L
Asher
Maria
M
Aresu
Emanuela
E
Falaschetti
Jennifer
J
Mindell
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012923:Social Class; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*