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Tides of Change—Barriers and Facilitators to Beach Accessibility for Older People and People with Disability: An Australian Community Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Sasha Job

    (School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia)

  • Luke Heales

    (School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia)

  • Steven Obst

    (School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia)

Abstract

The beach is Australia’s most popular recreational destination with participation in beach-based activities associated with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits. Unfortunately, access to beach environments is not possible for many older people and people with a disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators of beach accessibility using a framework that recognises the complex interconnections between blue space, accessibility, physical activity, and health and wellbeing. A 39-item anonymous online cross-sectional survey was developed and administered to explore the perspectives of older people and people with a disability regarding beach accessibility. In total, 350 people completed the survey (69% female, age range 2–90 years (mean = 52)). Disability was reported by 88% of respondents, with 77% requiring a community mobility aid. Two-thirds (68%) of respondents were unable to visit the beach as often as they wanted, with 45% unable to visit at all. The most frequently reported barriers to beach access included difficulty moving on soft sand (87%), no specialised mobility equipment (75%), and inaccessible lead-up pathways (81%). If beach access was improved, respondents reported they would visit the beach more often (85%), for longer (83%), and have an improved experience (91%). The most frequently reported facilitators to beach access were the presence of accessible lead-up pathways (90%), sand walkways (89%), and parking (87%). Older people and people with disability have limited beach access, primarily due to a lack of accessible equipment, excluding them from the wide range of health benefits associated with visiting the beach.

Suggested Citation

  • Sasha Job & Luke Heales & Steven Obst, 2023. "Tides of Change—Barriers and Facilitators to Beach Accessibility for Older People and People with Disability: An Australian Community Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:9:p:5651-:d:1133570
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    References listed on IDEAS

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