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Associations between individual factors, environmental factors, and outdoor independence in older adults

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  • Barbara Schehl

    (University of Hohenheim)

  • Joerg Leukel

    (University of Hohenheim)

Abstract

The degree to which individuals can accomplish outdoor activity by themselves or require support is an important facet of successful aging. While prior research focuses on participation in outdoor activity, understanding of older adults’ outdoor independence is limited. We adopt an ecological approach to examine the role of individual factors and environmental factors in explaining outdoor independence. Our sample comprised older adults aged 65 + living in a medium-sized city in Germany (N = 1070). The results show that being male, younger, and healthier was positively associated with outdoor independence, while living together was not. Further, outdoor independence decreased with higher levels of perceived environmental barriers. This negative association was moderated such that it was stronger for the less healthy and older participants. Based on our empirical findings, we offer insights for policy makers, urban planners, and community groups to design age-friendly communities and consequently facilitate outdoor independence among older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Schehl & Joerg Leukel, 2020. "Associations between individual factors, environmental factors, and outdoor independence in older adults," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 291-298, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:17:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s10433-020-00553-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-020-00553-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Björn Slaug & Susanne Iwarsson & Jonas Björk, 2019. "A new approach for investigation of person–environment interaction effects in research involving health outcomes," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 237-247, June.
    2. Eyler, Amy A. & Brownson, Ross C. & Donatelle, Rebecca J. & King, Abby C. & Brown, David & Sallis, James F., 1999. "Physical activity social support and middle- and older-aged minority women: results from a US survey," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 49(6), pages 781-789, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sadiq R. Younes & Bruno Marques & Jacqueline McIntosh, 2024. "Public Spaces for Older People: A Review of the Relationship between Public Space to Quality of Life," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Jianbo Han & Edwin H. W. Chan & Esther H. K. Yung & Queena K. Qian & Patrick T. I. Lam, 2022. "A Policy Framework for Producing Age-Friendly Communities from the Perspective of Production of Space," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-23, February.
    3. Lydia See & Rohan L. Rasiah & Rachael Laing & Sandra C. Thompson, 2021. "Considerations in Planning Physical Activity for Older Adults in Hot Climates: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Iria Dobarrio-Sanz & Crístofer Ruiz-González & Cayetano Fernández-Sola & Pablo Roman & José Granero-Molina & Jose Manuel Hernández-Padilla, 2021. "Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Loneliness amongst Older Adults: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-14, November.

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