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The Urban Built Environment and Mobility in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The Urban Built Environment and Mobility in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review

Andrea L Rosso, Amy H Auchincloss and Yvonne L Michael
Journal of aging research, v 2011
01 Dec 2011
PMID: 21766033
url
https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/816106View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Review
Mobility restrictions in older adults are common and increase the likelihood of negative health outcomes and premature mortality. The effect of built environment on mobility in older populations, among whom environmental effects may be strongest, is the focus of a growing body of the literature. We reviewed recent research (1990–2010) that examined associations of objective measures of the built environment with mobility and disability in adults aged 60 years or older. Seventeen empirical articles were identified. The existing literature suggests that mobility is associated with higher street connectivity leading to shorter pedestrian distances, street and traffic conditions such as safety measures, and proximity to destinations such as retail establishments, parks, and green spaces. Existing research is limited by differences in exposure and outcome assessments and use of cross-sectional study designs. This research could lead to policy interventions that allow older adults to live more healthy and active lives in their communities.

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287 citations in Scopus

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