Abstract
Physical activity, primarily comprised of walking in older adults, confers benefits for psychological health and mental well-being, functional status outcomes and social outcomes. In many communities, however, access to physical activity opportunities are limited, especially for older adults. This exploratory study engaged a small sample (N = 8) of adults aged 65 or older as citizen scientists to assess and then work to improve their communities. Using a uniquely designed mobile application (the Stanford Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool), participants recorded a total of 83 geocoded photos and audio narratives of physical environment features that served to help or hinder physical activity in and around their community center. In a facilitated process the citizen scientists then discussed, coded and synthesized their data. The citizen scientists then leveraged their findings to advocate with local decision-makers for specific community improvements to promote physical activity. These changes focused on: parks/playgrounds, footpaths, and traffic related safety/parking. Project results suggest that the Our Voice approach can be an effective strategy for the global goals of advancing rights and increasing self-determination among older adults.
Highlights
Introduction1.1. Population AgeingIn 2030 there will be 1 billion older adults globally (12% of the total population) [1]. Across the planet, the number of older adults is growing faster than the number of people in any other age group [2]. We can expect a 150% expansion of the population aged 65 and over in the next 35 years [1].Worldwide the population 80 and over is projected to more than triple between 2015 and 2050 from126.5 million to 446.6 million [1]. The WHO notes that reducing severe disability from disease and health conditions within this age cohort is one key to constraining health and social costs [3]. It is
The citizen scientists took a total of 83 photographs and recorded 83 audio commentaries of the photographs (9–11 photos/commentaries per citizen scientist) on an average walk duration of 18 min
Mindful of our project’s small size, we propose that older adults as citizen scientists engaging in the Our Voice processes are participating in the very assessments the WHO suggests a city can make about its age-friendly urban features [44]
Summary
1.1. Population AgeingIn 2030 there will be 1 billion older adults globally (12% of the total population) [1]. Across the planet, the number of older adults is growing faster than the number of people in any other age group [2]. We can expect a 150% expansion of the population aged 65 and over in the next 35 years [1].Worldwide the population 80 and over is projected to more than triple between 2015 and 2050 from126.5 million to 446.6 million [1]. The WHO notes that reducing severe disability from disease and health conditions within this age cohort is one key to constraining health and social costs [3]. It is
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