title: Neighbourhood environment and physical activity in older adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The neighbourhood socio-physical environment has effects on health in later life including health behaviours, chronic illnesses, mental health and mortality. Few studies have examined the relationship of both physical environmental features and social aspects of neighbourhood with older adults' physical activity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the relationship of neighbourhood physical and social environment with physical activity among older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted with 434 older adults in eight neighbourhoods in greater Vancouver, Canada and Portland, United States. Data included participants' perceptions of their neighbourhood built and social environment factors and levels of physical activity. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to understand the relationship between these factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants engaged in physical activity most frequently at home (87.1%) or in close proximity of home (76.5%). Neighbourhood walkability, presence of amenities and accessibility were not significantly associated with meeting physical activity requirements. Participation in a recreational program with friends was associated with increased likelihood of physical activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The home and its immediate physical environmental context has potentially important relevance in supporting physical activity in older adults. Also, neighbourhood social aspects have a positive influence on activity levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, 2800-515 W. Hastings St. Vancouver, V6B 5K3, Canada. Electronic address: chaudhury@sfu.ca.
authors.forename: Habib
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chaudhury
authors.affiliation: Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, 2800-515 W. Hastings St. Vancouver, V6B 5K3, Canada.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campo
authors.affiliation: Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Michael
authors.affiliation: Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, 2800-515 W. Hastings St. Vancouver, V6B 5K3, Canada.
authors.forename: Atiya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mahmood
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004779:Environment Design / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
keywords: Built environment; Neighbourhood; Older adults; Physical activity; Social environment