The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between personal factors and perceived built environmental factors and walking behaviour among middle-aged and older adults. The sample consisted of 647 people aged 45 years and above. Walking behaviour was assessed using pedometers. Decreased walking was significantly associated with increased age (r=-0.366, p<0.001). Education level (F=4.13, p=0.016) and self-rated health status (t=6.07, p<0.001) were positively associated with walking. When considering the effect of age, education level was no longer associated with walking. Better perception of general safety (F=3.105, p=0.005) and fewer safety concerns (F=7.531, p=0.001) were positively associated with walking. Age and self-rated health status jointly contributed to the walking behaviour (p<0.001), explaining 16.2% of the variance. These findings may suggest future neighbourhood interventions for age-friendly communities in Winnipeg, and help to accommodate changes through addressing perceived neighbourhood safety concerns and facilitating increased physical activity among middle-aged and older adults.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:MWU.1993/18324 |
Date | 03 April 2013 |
Creators | Chen, Yijie (Jennifer) |
Contributors | Ready, Elizabeth (Kinesiology and Recreation Management), Menec, Verena (Community Health Science) Porter, Michelle (Kinesiology and Recreation Management) Milgrom, Richard (City Planning) |
Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
Detected Language | English |
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