Walkability And Change In Physical Activity In A Large Sample Of Middle-aged And Older Australians

Abstract

PURPOSE: To analyze the prospective relationship between perceived aspects of walkability and changes in walking and physical activity. METHODS: We used three-year longitudinal data (2006/07-2009/10) of adults 45 and older living in metropolitan areas (n=24,341; 62.9±11.3 years) in New South Wales, Australia. Neighborhood environment attributes were measured using the validated Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Survey and physical activity was measured using the validated Active Australia Survey. General linear regression was used with each individual attribute of the residential neighborhood as the exposure, change in walking and total physical activity time as the outcome, adjusted for a range of socio-demographic and health covariates and baseline physical activity levels. RESULTS: During the follow-up period (3.3±0.94 years), the average change in total walking time was an increase of 6.3 min/week (SD=1.4, 95%CI: 3.4-9.1), the average change in total physical activity (VPA weighted by 2) was +6.0 min/week (SD=3.3, 95%CI: -0.34-12.42). There were significant differences in changes in walking and physical activity by perceptions of walkability. Participants who reported having shops (+14.59 min/week, 95%CI: 11.46, 17.71, p<0.001), public transport stops (+7.60, 95%CI: 5.14, 10.06, p<0.001) and recreation facilities (+7.97, 95%CI: 5.41, 10.53, p=0.004) within walking distance, and those who perceived their neighborhood as safe from crime during the day (+7.34, 95%CI: 4.89, 9.79, p=0.017) increased their walking, compared to those with negative perceptions of these attributes who walked less over time. There were no differences in changes of walking by availability of sidewalks and safety at night. Participants who reported shops nearby (+17.6, 95%CI: 10.64, 24.65, p<0.001), and those who perceived their neighborhood as safe at night (+14.54, 95%CI: 8.15, 20.83, p<0.001) increased their overall physical activity, compared to those with negative perceptions of these attributes who decreased their activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: Having access to shops, public transport stops, and recreation facilities, and safety from crime may help with maintenance of walking and physical activity in middle-aged and older adults.