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Older Adults Using Our Voice Citizen Science to Create Change in Their Neighborhood Environment

Author

Listed:
  • Anthony G. Tuckett

    (Director, Postgraduate Coursework Programs (Nursing, Midwifery), The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
    School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia)

  • Abbey Freeman

    (School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia)

  • Sharon Hetherington

    (Healthy Connections Exercise Clinic, Burnie Brae Ltd., Chermside, QLD 4032, Australia)

  • Paul A. Gardiner

    (Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4102, Australia)

  • Abby C. King

    (Department of Health Research and Policy and Medicine, Stanford Prevention, Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA)

  • On behalf of Burnie Brae Citizen Scientists

    (School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
    On behalf of Burnie Brae Citizen Scientists, Burnie Brae Ltd., Chermside, QLD 4032, Australia)

Abstract

Physical activity, primarily comprised of walking in older adults, confers benefits for psychological health and mental well-being, functional status outcomes and social outcomes. In many communities, however, access to physical activity opportunities are limited, especially for older adults. This exploratory study engaged a small sample ( N = 8) of adults aged 65 or older as citizen scientists to assess and then work to improve their communities. Using a uniquely designed mobile application (the Stanford Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool), participants recorded a total of 83 geocoded photos and audio narratives of physical environment features that served to help or hinder physical activity in and around their community center. In a facilitated process the citizen scientists then discussed, coded and synthesized their data. The citizen scientists then leveraged their findings to advocate with local decision-makers for specific community improvements to promote physical activity. These changes focused on: parks/playgrounds, footpaths, and traffic related safety/parking. Project results suggest that the Our Voice approach can be an effective strategy for the global goals of advancing rights and increasing self-determination among older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony G. Tuckett & Abbey Freeman & Sharon Hetherington & Paul A. Gardiner & Abby C. King & On behalf of Burnie Brae Citizen Scientists, 2018. "Older Adults Using Our Voice Citizen Science to Create Change in Their Neighborhood Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:12:p:2685-:d:186250
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cruwys, Tegan & Dingle, Genevieve A. & Haslam, Catherine & Haslam, S. Alexander & Jetten, Jolanda & Morton, Thomas A., 2013. "Social group memberships protect against future depression, alleviate depression symptoms and prevent depression relapse," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 179-186.
    2. Freedman, Vicki A. & Grafova, Irina B. & Schoeni, Robert F. & Rogowski, Jeannette, 2008. "Neighborhoods and disability in later life," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(11), pages 2253-2267, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sonja Pedell & Ann Borda & Alen Keirnan & Nicole Aimers, 2021. "Combining the Digital, Social and Physical Layer to Create Age-Friendly Cities and Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Joshua R. Dilley & Justin B. Moore & Phillip Summers & Amanda A. Price & Matthew Burczyk & Lynn Byrd & Patricia J. Sisson & Alain G. Bertoni, 2019. "A Citizen Science Approach to Determine Physical Activity Patterns and Demographics of Greenway Users in Winston-Salem, North Carolina," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-11, August.
    3. Yue, Yafei & Yang, Dongfeng & Owen, Neville & Van Dyck, Delfien, 2022. "The built environment and mental health among older adults in Dalian: The mediating role of perceived environmental attributes," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    4. Belinda Paulovich & Sonja Pedell & Erica Tandori & Jeanie Beh, 2022. "Weaving Social Connectivity into the Community Fabric: Exploring Older Adult’s Relationships to Technology and Place," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-13, July.
    5. Kadia Saint-Onge & Paquito Bernard & Célia Kingsbury & Janie Houle, 2021. "Older Public Housing Tenants’ Capabilities for Physical Activity Described Using Walk-Along Interviews in Montreal, Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-19, November.

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