Age-difference In The Association Of Built Environment With Walking In Older Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: It remains unclear whether the relationship between built environment and walking behavior differ by age groups. Therefore, this study aimed to examine age-related differences in associations of built environmental attributes with walking in older Taiwanese adults. METHODS: This study was based on a cross-sectional telephone survey using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing, targeting 1,068 older Taiwanese adults (over 65 years) in 2017. Time spent in walking was measured by the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Built environmental attributes were assessed by geographic information systems (GIS), including population density, street connectivity, sidewalk availability, leisure destinations, utilization destinations & access to public transportation. Adjusted binary logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders were employed to examine the relationships between the seven built environment variables & walking time in total sample, and stratified for young (65-74 year) & old (75+ years)older adults. RESULTS: A total of 1,040 respondents provided complete information for analysis. The mean age (SD) of the respondent was 73.04 (± 6.13) years. 68.8% achieved 150 min of walking in a week. In total sample, only one GIS-derived environmental attribute - leisure destinations was positive associated with the 150 min of walking in a week (odds ratio (OR)=1.34, 95% confidential interval (CI)=1.02-1.75). After stratifying by age groups, among 65 to 74 age group, population density was negative associated with the 150 min of walking in a week (OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.46-0.93) and number of leisure destination was positive associated with the 150 min of walking in a week (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.10-2.19). However, no significant associations were observed between all built environmental attributes and walking in old adults who aged over 75 year. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that age could be a potential moderator between built environment and walking in older adult population. High-density neighborhoods with favorable leisure destinations can be supportive for walking among young older adults (65-74 year). However, for old older adults (over 75 years), it is critical to further explore other multi-level factors related to their walking behavior.