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Walking is healthy, but urban design makes it difficult Less than half of older people achieve the recommended levels of physical activity (46.6% of ages 45-64 and 39.3% of ages 65 and older), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity can mean many things, whether brisk walking, bicycling, vacuuming or gardening at a moderate intensity for 30 or minutes a day, five or more days a week. While that sounds simple, the design of many neighborhoods discourages walking, the physical activity preferred by most older adults. OLDER NEIGHBORHOODS: Demographers compared body mass indices (calculated from driver license height and weight) to census blocks to determine the impact of neighborhoods on 453,927 residents, ages 25 to 64. A man of average height and weight (6 feet, 200 pounds) weighed 10 pounds less if he lived in a walkable neighborhood versus a less walkable neighborhood. A woman of average size (about 5-foot-5, 149 pounds) weighed six pounds less. Neighborhoods built before 1950 tended to offer greater overall walkability since they were more often designed with pedestrians in mind, while newer neighborhoods often were designed to facilitate car travel. COMMENT: “The data show that how and where we live can greatly affect our health,” said co-author Ken Smith, PhD. “We expect these results mean that residents find walking more attractive and enjoyable where there are other walkers, a variety of destinations easily accessible by foot and pedestrian-friendly street networks. People want to walk when it’s pleasant, convenient and when there is a destination.” SIDEWALKS: In answer to questions in a telephone survey of 1,006 people 50 years and older, 29% of respondents said they were walking as a way to avoid high gas prices. However, almost 40% said they do not have adequate sidewalks in their neighborhoods and 47% said they cannot cross the main roads safely. Additionally, 44% say they do not have nearby public transportation that is accessible. COMMENT: “More Americans age 50+ are trying to leave their cars behind but face obstacles as soon as they walk out the door, climb on their bikes or head for the bus,” said Elinor Ginzler, AARP senior vice president for livable communities. SOURCES: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35(3):237-244 (September 2008) and AARP (August 13, 2008) et www.icaa.cc   By KS Date 20-08-2008 Print this article  OTHER ARTICLES Walking is healthy, but urban design makes it difficult   The Maturing of America : Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population   The age wave demands innovation across the board, including public policy, financial products, personal technology, housing, community design, and delivery of care   'Walkable' communities may make elders healthier   Log Home Buildings: Significant Boom Fueled by Boomers   US: Betsy Sheppard Named to Board of 50+ Housing Council   US: Baby boomers own 57 percent of all vacation/seasonal homes   Boomers Who Can Afford Home Monitoring Systems May Remain at Home Longer   Boom In Mexico Real Estate For Baby Boomers and Retirees   CANADA: Today’s 50-Plus Crowd Is Rocking Tradition Not Chairs