Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate older adults’ perceptions of their walking experiences, using the social-ecological model as a guiding framework and to propose future walking intervention content. Methods: Thirty-eight participants (19 women; 47% from private elderly centers; mean age = 72.8 (SD = 7.4 years) took part in semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data analysis software QSR-NVivo was used for thematic coding. Results: Thematic deductive analysis revealed pertinent themes at the individual level (health benefits and barriers, fall risk, perseverance, and walking as a suitable activity for older adults), social environment level (social support and social interaction), physical environment level (density, land-use mix, and connectivity; perceived safety, pedestrian facilities (benches, quality of walking paths and sidewalks, and aesthetics), other pedestrian behaviors, and weather, and policy level (lack of walking programs in the community, and supportive culture for an active lifestyle). Discussion: Our findings provide insights for the planning of future multilevel walking intervention programs for older adults in Hong Kong. It is suggested that future walking intervention should include professionals (e.g., physiotherapist or coach) in a group setting, practical walking recommendations such as proper walking posture, and additional fun activities for older adults.
Highlights
Population aging is a growing challenge in many countries
The results revealed that positive physical environment facilitators and social environments promoted walking
Similar to the results of a systematic review [46] that examined the barriers to and motivators of physical activity (PA) for older adults, the current study revealed that improvement in health conditions via walking could serve as a facilitator for older adults to walk
Summary
By 2043, approximately one in three people in Hong Kong will be aged ≥ 65 years. The increase in aging will lead to a rise in the old age dependency ratio from. The increase in the average age and reduction of the labor force will increase the dependency ratio and burden of medical and welfare services in society. The benefits of physical activity (PA) are well documented [3,4], approximately half of older adults in Hong Kong aged 60–69 years are inactive (i.e., they engage in less than 30 min of moderate- or higher-intensity PA in a week). The Hong Kong government has emphasized the importance of promoting active aging and creating age-friendly environments to mitigate these challenges [6]
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