A Comparative Analysis of Neighborhood Walkability Surrounding Three Senior Housing Facilities in Manhattan, New York: A Microscale Study ( poster )

Abstract

Background Walking is the most practical physical activity for active living. It is versatile, inexpensive, and low impact. Given that 80% of the elderly in developed countries will reside in cities, the suitability of urban walking environments for the elderly becomes even more significant. Despite the known benefits of walking, limited data exists about features of the built environment that affect walkability for older adults. One of the greatest challenges is choosing an appropriate method for evaluating the tangible features of the built environment that impact active living. In this study, microscale sidewalk assessment is used to objectively measure the walkability of neighborhoods surrounding three senior resident facilities in Manhattan. Unbiased evidence identifying levels of walkability is an essential step toward creating successful active living communities for older adults. Aims (1) To illustrate a microscale assessment that determines sidewalk walkability surrounding three senior living centers. (2) To map relationships between third places, walkable areas, and soft edges using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). (3) To present opportunities for placemaking that encourage the elderly community to walk more and improve their health. (4) To compare and analyze walking behavior patterns of senior housing residents in study areas through urban tracing techniques. Methods (1) Microscale assessment: defining the study area; on-site and off-site assessment of sidewalk features at the block level; and inter-rater reliability testing to ensure integrity of audit instrument. (2) GIS: capturing, storing, visualizing, and interpreting of map data. (3) Public space/public life assessment: direct observation of public interactions of older adults in pedestrian corridors. Results The study is presently ongoing with an expected completion date of June 2017. Expected outcomes include: Data on sidewalk quality surrounding the three older adult residences; Observations and analysis of walking patterns of older adult residents; Understanding the use of soft edges, walking routes, and third places; Identification of sidewalk improvement opportunities; Association between walking patterns and quality of the built environment of the study areas; A preliminary sidewalk improvement plan that addresses problems in the walking environment of older adults.