Associations between neighbourhood characteristics and community mobility in older adults with chronic health conditions

Abstract

Purpose: To explore associations between perceptions of neighbourhood built and social characteristics and satisfaction with community mobility in older adults with chronic health conditions. Method: Two hundred and thirty-seven community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or more with one or more of arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes or heart disease completed a cross-sectional, mailed survey. The survey addressed community mobility and 11 neighbourhood characteristics: amenities (three types), problems (six), social cohesion and safety. Analysis involved logistic regression modeling for each neighbourhood characteristic. Results: Satisfaction with community mobility was associated with perception of no traffic problems (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.4–6.2, p ≤ 0.05) and neighbourhood safety (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.2–9.8, p ≤ 0.05), adjusted for age, ability to walk several blocks and depressive symptoms.Conclusion: Satisfaction with community mobility is associated with neighbourhood safety and no traffic problems among older adults with chronic conditions. While further research is needed to explore these neighbourhood characteristics in more detail and to examine causation, addressing these neighbourhood characteristics in health services or community initiatives may help promote community mobility in this population. Implications for RehabilitationCommunity mobility, or the ability to move about one’s community, is a key aspect of participation that enables other aspects of community participation.Good community mobility is associated with perception of no traffic problems and neighbourhood safety among older adults.Considering and addressing a broad range of environmental influences has the potential to improve community mobility in older adults, beyond traditional approaches.Health professionals can work with clients to develop strategies to avoid traffic and safety problems and can work with communities to develop safe spaces within neighbourhoods, to improve community mobility in older adults.