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Environmental factors associated with active living in retirement village residents: Findings from an exploratory qualitative enquiry
Nathan, Andrea Grace Wood, Lisa Giles-Corti, Billie
Nathan, Andrea Grace
Wood, Lisa
Giles-Corti, Billie
Abstract
This exploratory enquiry employs qualitative methods to advance knowledge and understanding of physical environmental attributes related to active living among residents of Australian retirement villages. Six focus groups (n = 51 residents) were held and participants described how their current, and subsequently ideal, retirement village and neighborhood supported active lifestyles. Thematic analysis revealed three key environmental factors associated with active living: a positive social environment within the village; services and facilities provided in the village and wider neighborhood; and the presence of suitable pedestrian infrastructure. The unique discovery that environmental factors of both the retirement village and the surrounding neighborhood were associated with residents’ active living raises many questions for study. Findings informed the development of a survey instrument, and further understanding in this area has the potential to contribute to the design and siting practices of senior housing complexes within neighborhoods.
Keywords
older adults, physical activity, neighborhood context, built environment, focus groups
Date
2013
Type
Journal article
Journal
Research on Aging
Book
Volume
35
Issue
4
Page Range
459-480
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled