How Design of Places Promotes or Inhibits Mobility of Older Adults: Realist Synthesis of 20 Years of Research

Details

• Alternative Title:
  J Aging Health
• Personal Author:
  Yen, Irene H. ; Flood, Johnna Fandel ; Thompson, Hannah ; Anderson, Lynda A. ; Wong, Geoff
• Description:
  Objective
  
  The objective of this study was to determine the environmental features that best support aging in place.
  
  Method
  
  We conducted a realist synthesis, a theory-driven interpretive method of evidence synthesis, of 120+ articles (published 1991–2011) that attempts to explain how place may influence older adults’ decisions about mobility (e.g., physical activity). We developed an initial program theory, reviewed the literature, identified outcomes, analyzed and synthesized patterns, and created a final program theory.
  
  Results
  
  Safety was a central mechanism, serving as one of the bridges between environmental components (e.g., connectivity, aesthetics, retail and services) and decisions about mobility. Population density, sidewalk presence, and park proximity did not emerge as key factors.
  
  Discussion
  
  Safety considerations are one of the most prominent influences of older adults’ decisions about mobility. Street connectivity, pedestrian access and transit, and retail and services were also important. These factors are amenable to change and can help promote mobility for older adults.
  
  
• Subjects:
  Activities Of Daily Living Aged Decision Making Environment Design Humans Middle Aged Psychological Theory Residence Characteristics Safety Walking
• Keywords:
  Built Environment Mobility Neighborhood Realist Synthesis
• Source:
  J Aging Health. 26(8):1340-1372
• Pubmed ID:
  24788714
• Pubmed Central ID:
  PMC4535337
• Document Type:
  Journal Article
• Funding:
  10/1008/07/DH_/Department of HealthUnited Kingdom/ ; CC999999/Intramural CDC HHSUnited States/
• Volume:
  26
• Issue:
  8
• Collection(s):
  CDC Public Access
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:87e1c20c3bc870ffb0482b5eacd9db74c7b7661d0da48fd6d27bab5ea9a25969
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/32866/cdc_32866_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 905.26 KB ]