Neighborhood environment profiles for physical activity among older adults

Am J Health Behav. 2012 Nov;36(6):757-69. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.36.6.4.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore among older adults whether multivariate neighborhood profiles were associated with physical activity (PA) and BMI.

Methods: Adults (66-97 years) were recruited from Baltimore-Washington, DC (n=360), and Seattle-King County, Washington (n=368), regions. Latent profile analyses were conducted using the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. ANCOVA models tested for criterion validity of profiles by examining relationships to PA and BMI.

Results: Neighborhood profiles differed significantly by as much as 10 minutes/day for moderate-to-vigorous PA, 1.1 hours/week for walking for errands, and almost 50 minutes/week for leisure PA.

Conclusions: Environmental variables resulted in meaningful neighborhood patterns that explained large differences in seniors' health outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Baltimore
  • Body Mass Index*
  • District of Columbia
  • Environment Design*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Recreation
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Population*
  • Washington