Naar een beweegvriendelijke omgeving: een onderzoek naar kenmerken van de woonomgeving en beweeggedrag van ouderen in Spijkenisse [To an ‘activity-friendly’ living environment: A study on characteristics of the living environment and physical activity of older people in Spijkenisse]

Background: Many older persons prefer to live independent as long as possible. A living environment facilitating physical activity may be important for this purpose, but the design of ‘activity-friendly’ living environments for older persons remains less clear. In a study in Spijkenisse (the Netherlands), characteristics of the living environment and physical activity of older persons were measured in detail. These data were used in several studies, summarized in this paper. Methods: The study population consisted of persons aged 65 years and older. Survey questionnaires, accelerometers, geographic information systems and GPS devices were used to assess how often and how far older persons were active, and whether there was an association with environmental characteristics. For the translation of study findings into policy recommendations, results were discussed with study participants and policymakers. Results: Participants were sedentary for the main part of the day. The total amount of physical activity consisted mainly of light-intensive activities, such as walking and cycling. Although many associations were not statistically significant, study participants residing in a living environment with more facilities and better aesthetics walked more for transport purposes. Conclusion: Detailed measurements resulted in associations between characteristics of the living environment and physical activities. Policies aimed at improving the activity-friendliness of the living environment of older persons should focus on the amount of facilities and aesthetics. The evaluation of such environmental changes can further contribute to insights into the role of the physical living environment as part of a strategy aimed at independent living of the increasing group of older persons.