Exploring Associations Between Perceived Measures of the Environment and Walking Among Brazilian Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maruí W. Corseuil Giehl ◽  
Pedro C. Hallal ◽  
Ross C. Brownson ◽  
Eleonora d’Orsi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Transportation Safety ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Environment ◽  
Walking For Transportation

Objective: To investigate the associations between perceived environment features and walking in older adults. Method: A cross-sectional population-based study was performed in Florianopolis, Brazil, including 1,705 older adults (60+ years). Walking was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and perceived environment was assessed through the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. We conducted a multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between perceived environment and walking. Results: The presence of sidewalks was related to both walking for transportation and for leisure. Existence of crosswalks in the neighborhood, safety during the day, presence of street lighting, recreational facilities, and having dog were significant predictors of walking for transportation. Safety during the day and social support were significantly associated with walking for leisure. Discussion: The perceived environment may affect walking for specific purposes among older adults. Investments in the environment may increase physical activity levels of older adults in Brazil.

Are Changes in Walking for Transportation in Brazilian Older Adults Associated With Attributes of the Neighborhood Environment?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Francisco Timbó de Paiva Neto ◽  
Gabriel Claudino Budal Arins ◽  
Eleonora d’Orsi ◽  
Cassiano Ricardo Rech
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Environment Perception ◽  
Walking For Transportation ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

This study aims to examine the association between neighborhood environment attributes and changes in walking for transportation among older adults. Longitudinal analysis was performed considering a population-based study (EpiFloripa Idoso), carried out in 2009–2010 with follow-up in 2013–2014. Changes in walking, obtained with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire during both waves were associated with data from the environment perception, evaluated using individual items from the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (baseline only) performing multinomial logistic regression. A total of 1,162 older adults (65.2% women, mean age = 73.7 years) participated. Those who reported the presence of parks and squares (OR = 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.70, 3.51]), sidewalks (OR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.03, 2.70]), crosswalks (OR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.05, 2.72]), illuminated streets (OR = 2.80, 95% CI [1.24, 6.33]), and safety for day walks (OR = 1.93, 95% CI [1.14, 3.24]) were more likely to remain active or become active when commuting (≥150 min/week). Older adults are more active in neighborhoods that present more favorable attributes regarding walking for transportation.

Physical Activity Levels According to Physical and Social Environmental Factors in a Sample of Adults Living in South Brazil

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (s2) ◽  
pp. S204-S212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tales C. Amorim ◽  
Mario R. Azevedo ◽  
Pedro C. Hallal
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Environmental

Objective:To evaluate the association between the physical and social environment and physical activity (leisure-time and transport-related) in a population-based sample of adults.Methods:Cross-sectional study including 972 adults (20−69 years) living in the urban area of Pelotas, Brazil. Physical activity was measured using the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Environmental variables were assessed using a modified version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale.Results:69.8% (95% CI = 66.9−72.7) and 51.9% (95% CI = 48.8−55.1) of the subjects did not reach 150 min/wk on leisure-time and transport-related physical activity, respectively. Subjects living near green areas were more likely to be active in leisure-time, as well as those who reported to live in safe neighborhoods. Transport-related physical activity was higher among individuals living in areas with garbage accumulation, and was lower among those living in neighborhoods which are difficult to walk or cycle due to traffic. Social support was strongly associated with leisure-time physical activity.Conclusions:Safety investments, which are urgently required in Brazil, are likely to have a desirable side effect at increasing physical activity at the population level. Building enjoyable and safe public spaces for physical activity practice must be prioritized.

Physical Activity and Its Relationship With Perceived Environment Among Adults Living in a Region of Low Socioeconomic Level

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 563-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Antonio Florindo ◽  
Emanuel Péricles Salvador ◽  
Rodrigo Siqueira Reis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Environment ◽  
Environment Variables ◽  
Activity Promotion

Background:The environment has a great influence on people’s lifestyles and their capacity to choose healthy habits. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between perceived environment and physical activity among adults living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.Methods:This was a cross-sectional population-based study conducted with 890 people age 18 years or over. Physical activity was measured through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ; long version) and perceived environment was evaluated using the Neighborhood Walkability Scale (NEWS) adapted. Poisson’s regression was used for statistical analyses and prevalence ratios were calculated. The outcome variable was the attainment of at least 150 minutes per week of physical activities. The independent variables consisted of perceived environment variables and control variables (sex, age, schooling, time living in the home, and number of cars per household).Results:The perceived environment variables that explained physical activity were: receiving invitations from friends for activities (P = .012), low environmental pollution scores (p trend = 0.030) and high general safety scores (P-trend = 0.039).Conclusions:These results suggest that physical activity promotion in regions like this should be envisaged as a complex phenomenon and investments in public safety, prevention and combating of environmental pollution and social support networks are needed.

Perceived Barriers to Walking in the Neighborhood Environment: A Survey of Middle-Aged and Older Adults

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Dawson ◽  
Melvyn Hillsdon ◽  
Irene Boller ◽  
Charlie Foster
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Environmental Attributes ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Uk

The authors investigated whether low levels of walking among older adults in the UK were associated with demographic and health characteristics, as well as perceived environmental attributes. Survey data were obtained from self-administered standard questionnaires given to 680 people age 50+ (mean age 64.4 yr) attending nationally led walking schemes. Items concerned with demographic characteristics and perceived barriers to neighborhood walking were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Citing more than 1 environmental barrier to walking, versus not, was associated with significantly reduced levels of (leisure) walking (MET/hr) in the preceding week (Z = –2.35, p = .019), but physical activity levels overall did not differ significantly (Z = –0.71, p = .48). Citing a health-related barrier to walking significantly adversely affected overall physical activity levels (Z = –2.72, p = .006). The authors concluded that, among older people who favor walking, health problems might more seriously affect overall physical activity levels than perceived environmental barriers.

Predictors of Physical Activity Levels in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Multivariate Approach Based on a Socio-Ecological Framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koren L. Fisher ◽  
Elizabeth L. Harrison ◽  
Brenda G. Bruner ◽  
Joshua A. Lawson ◽  
Bruce A. Reeder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Home Care Services ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Nursing Home Care ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Cross Sectional

The purpose of this study was to explore cross-sectional relationships between self-reported physical activity (PA) and personal, social, and environmental factors in community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and older. Accounting for clustering by neighborhood, generalized estimating equations were used to examine associations between selected correlates and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) score while adjusting for confounders. Data for 601 participants were analyzed: 79% female, 37% married, mean age 76.8 (± 8.7) years, mean PASE score 112.6 (± 64.8). Age, living in seniors’ housing, using nursing/home care services, receiving encouragement to be active, and having benches available in the neighborhood were inversely associated with PASE. Self-efficacy, SF-12 score, PA barriers, social support, and the presence of trails showed positive associations. Several personal, social, and environmental factors associated with PA were identified. The inverse association between PA and living in seniors’ housing units should be considered when developing PA programs for older adults.

scholarly journals THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN OLDER ADULTS WITH OBESITY

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
F. Xu ◽  
S.A. Cohen ◽  
I.E. Lofgren ◽  
G.W. Greene ◽  
M.J. Delmonico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Recommendations ◽  
Activity Recommendations

Background: Physical activity reduces the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the association between different physical activity levels and MetS remains unclear in older adults with obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study used four waves of data (2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014) from two datasets: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and United Sates Department of Agriculture’s Food Patterns Equivalents Database. The sample included adults 60+ years of age (n= 613) with obesity who had physical activity and MetS data. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized into three physical activity levels (low, medium, and high); and medium or high physical activity levels are aligned with or exceed current physical activity recommendations. Participants were classified as having MetS using a commonly agreed upon definition. Multiple logistic regression models examined the association between the three physical activity levels and MetS risk factors and MetS. All analyses adjusted for potential confounding variables and accounted for complex sampling. Results: Of 613 respondents, 72.1% (n=431) were classified as having MetS, and 44.3% (n = 263) had not met physical activity recommendations. Participants with high levels of physical activity had a lower risk of MetS (OR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.72) and more healthful levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.18, 0.84), blood pressure (OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.77), fasting glucose (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.78) than participants categorized as having low physical activity. Conclusions: Physical activity is associated with lower risk of MetS only for participants with the highest level of physical activity, which suggests that physical activity dosage is important to reduce MetS risk in older adults with obesity.

The Relationship between Convenience of Destinations and Walking Levels in Older Women

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy C. King ◽  
Jennifer S. Brach ◽  
Steven Belle ◽  
Richard Killingsworth ◽  
Mark Fenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose. To examine the relationship between physical activity and (1) convenience of destinations, measured by whether destinations (such as a park, trail, businesses, and services) are within walking distance of the home, and (2) participants' perception of the quality of their neighborhood surroundings for walking, captured with a global neighborhood “walkability” rating. Design. Cross-sectional analysis of data obtained in 1999. Setting. Community in southwest Pennsylvania. Subjects. Older Caucasian women (n = 149, mean age = 74.2 years). Response rate = 79%. Measures. Walking levels, leisure-time physical activity, and features of the neighborhood environment were measured with interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical activity was also measured objectively with a pedometer. Results. Living within walking distance (defined as within a 20-minute walk of home) of a park; biking or walking trail; or department, discount, or hardware store was related to higher pedometer readings ( p < .01). In addition, there was a positive trend between the sum of destinations within walking distance of home and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire ( p < .01). There was also a positive trend between participants' neighborhood “walkability” rating and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire ( p < .01). Conclusion. These findings suggest that the ability to make utilitarian walking trips from home and the perception of having favorable neighborhood surroundings for walking are associated with increased physical activity levels in older women.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Association With Activity Levels in Other Domains

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 460-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Airton J. Rombaldi ◽  
Ana M.B. Menezes ◽  
Mario Renato Azevedo ◽  
Pedro C. Hallal
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Moderate Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity

Objectives:To explore whether participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is associated with participation in occupational, housework, and transport-related physical activity.Methods:Population-based cross-sectional study covering a multistage sample of 972 subjects age 20 to 69 years. Physical activity was measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A LTPA score was calculated as follows: min/wk of walking + min/wk of moderate-intensity physical activity + (min/wk of vigorous-intensity physical activity × 2). Similar scores were generated for each domain. For categorical analyses, the scores were divided into 3 categories: 0 min/wk, 10−149 min/wk, and ≥150 min/wk.Results:The proportion of subjects practicing less than 150 min/wk of physical activity in each domain was: leisure-time (69.8%), occupational (58.3%), housework (35.0%), transportation (51.9%). Subjects with a transport-related physical activity score equal to or above 150 min/wk were 40% less likely to be sedentary in leisure-time in comparison with those who did not practice transport-related physical activity. Housework and occupational physical activity were not related to participation in LTPA.Conclusions:Future physical activity campaigns should focus on other domains instead of LTPA alone, particularly supporting transport-related physical activity as a strategy of health promotion.

scholarly journals A Study of Perceived Nature, Shade and Trees and Self-Reported Physical Activity in Denver

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Tabatabaie ◽  
Jill S. Litt ◽  
Amanda Carrico
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Shade Trees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
Quality Aspects ◽  
Neighborhood Scale ◽  
The Individual

(1) Background: Current evidence on the association between greenery and physical activity (PA) remains inconsistent. Most studies on this association use objective measures of greenness, which do not reveal people’s perceptions of greenness in neighborhoods, or the role of quality components of greenness, such as shade, trees, and the presence of nature on this association. (2) Methods: Drawing on data from the Neighborhood Environment and Health Survey—a cross-sectional population-based survey of Denver residents in 2007—we examined which measures of greenness (perceived and objective) correlated with the self-reported PA. We also assessed how components of perceived greenness, shade, trees and the presence of nature, correlated with PA. (3) Results: Perceived greenness, reflecting perception of trees, shade and the presence of nature, was positively associated with reported moderate–vigorous PA. Conclusion: Findings provide evidence that quality aspects of greenness affect people’s perception of the neighborhood in a way that relates to PA. The individual contributions of shade, trees, and the presence of nature in this association should be analyzed in future studies. Understanding the link between shade and trees and PA has implications for how to plan for walkability and sun safety at the neighborhood scale.

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