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Associations between the neighbourhood environment characteristics and physical activity in older adults with specific types of chronic conditions: the ALECS cross-sectional study
Barnett, Anthony Cerin, Ester Zhang, Casper J.P. Sit, Cindy H.P. Johnston, Janice M. Cheung, Martin C. Lee, Ruby S.Y.
Barnett, Anthony
Cerin, Ester
Zhang, Casper J.P.
Sit, Cindy H.P.
Johnston, Janice M.
Cheung, Martin C.
Lee, Ruby S.Y.
Abstract
Background: Neighbourhood characteristics may influence physical activity (PA), which has positive effects on the health of older adults. Older adults with chronic conditions are less active and possibly more affected by environmental factors than their peers. Understanding neighbourhood characteristics associated with PA specific to older adults with chronic conditions is currently lacking. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the associations between the neighbourhood environment and various forms of PA in older adults with and without visual impairment, hearing impairment, musculoskeletal disease and/or genitourinary disease. Methods: Neighbourhood environment and PA data were collected in Hong Kong older adults (N = 909) from 124 preselected neighbourhoods stratified for walkability and socioeconomic status. Generalized linear models and zero-inflated negative binomial models with robust standard errors were used to examine associations of perceived neighbourhood environment characteristics, and the moderating effects of having specific chronic conditions, with PA outcomes. Results: Thirteen perceived neighbourhood characteristics were associated with older adults’ PA in the expected direction irrespective of their health condition. Nine neighbourhood characteristics had associations with PA that were dependent on hearing impairment, vision impairment, musculoskeletal disease or genitourinary disease. In general, they were stronger in participants with than without a specific chronic condition. Conclusions: Maximizing the potential for PA in older adults who have lower levels of physical functionality due to chronic conditions may require neighbourhood characteristics specific to these groups.
Keywords
active transport, walking, recreation, mobility, chronic disease, ultra-dense cities
Date
2016
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Book
Volume
13
Issue
53
Page Range
1-13
Article Number
ACU Department
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Open access
License
File Access
Open