How different are objective operationalizations of walkability for older adults compared to the general population? A systematic review

Mobility Infrastructures and Health: Scoping Review of studies in Europe

Objectives

Movement-friendly environments with infrastructure favouring active mobility are important for promoting physical activity. This scoping literature review aims at identifying the current evidence for links between mobility infrastructures and (a) behaviour regarding active mobility, (b) health outcomes and (c) co-benefits.

Method

This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines using PubMed and EMBASE databases. Studies included in this review were conducted in Europe, and published between 2000 and March 2023.

Results

146 scientific articles and grey literature reports were identified. Connectivity of sidewalks, walkability, and accessibility of shops, services and work are associated with walking. Cycling is positively associated with cycle-paths, separation of cycling from traffic and proximity to greenspaces, and negatively associated with traffic danger. Increased active transportation has a protective effect on cardiovascular and respiratory health, obesity, fitness, and quality of life. Co-benefits result from the reduction of individual motorized transportation including reduced environmental pollution and projected healthcare expenditure.

Conclusion

Mobility infrastructure combined with social and educational incentives are effective in promoting active travel and reducing future healthcare expenses. A shift to active transportation would increase both individual and community health and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Dementia-Friendly Neighborhoods Using a Walkshed Approach: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The number of people in society living with dementia is growing. In Canada, most people who live with dementia live at home, often in a neighborhood setting. Neighborhood environments can be a source of independence, social engagement, and well-being. They can also contain barriers that limit physical activity, social engagement, and well-being. A dementia-friendly neighborhood includes assets that support persons living with dementia and their caregivers in multiple life domains, including those that support walking within the neighborhood environment.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives for this scoping review are twofold. First, focusing on walkshed analysis, we aim to extend scholarly understandings of methodological practices used in the monitoring and evaluation of dementia-friendly neighborhoods. Second, we aim to provide clear and practical guidance for those working in planning, design, and public health fields to assess the neighborhood context in support of evidence-based action to improve the lives of persons living with dementia.

METHODS

The study design follows Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework and PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. We will conduct a search of peer-reviewed studies in 6 electronic databases to identify the use of Geographic Information System analysis to measure the walkshed of persons living with dementia in a community setting. As age is a primary risk factor associated with dementia, we will also include studies that focus more broadly on community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. Data will be extracted, analyzed, and represented according to 3 domains. This includes study details, walkshed analysis methods, and criteria and indicators used to measure dementia-friendly neighborhoods.

RESULTS

The results of the study and the submission of a manuscript for peer review are expected in June 2024. The results of the review are expected to contribute to an understanding of methods for monitoring and evaluating dementia-friendly neighborhoods. Expected findings will include a detailed breakdown of current parameters and routines used to conduct walkshed analysis. Findings will also convey criteria that can be operationalized in a Geographic Information System as indicators to assess barriers and facilitators to walking in a neighborhood setting.

CONCLUSIONS

As far as we are aware, the proposed scoping review will be the first to provide comprehensive methodological or technical guidance for conducting walkshed analysis specific to persons living with dementia. Both the scalability and objective nature of walkshed analysis are likely to be of direct interest to public health practitioners, planners, and allied professionals. Clearly documenting methods used in walkshed analysis can spur increased collaboration across these disciplines to enable an evidence-informed approach to improving neighborhood environments for persons living with dementia.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/50548.

Monitoring and evaluation of dementia-friendly neighbourhoods using a walkshed approach: A scoping review protocol (Preprint).. [DOI: 10.2196/preprints.50548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

UNSTRUCTURED

The number of people in society living with Dementia is growing. In Canada, most people who live with dementia live at home, often in a neighbourhood setting. Neighbourhood environments can be source of independence, social engagement, and well-being, but can also contain barriers that limit physical activity, social engagement, and well-being. A dementia-friendly neighbourhood includes assets that support persons living with dementia and their caregivers in multiple life domains, including those that support walking within the neighbourhood environment. The study design follow’s Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and PRISMA-P guidelines. A search of peer-reviewed studies in six electronic databases will be conducted to identify the use of GIS analysis to measure the walkshed of persons living with dementia in a community setting. Data will be extracted, analyzed and represented according to three domains, including study details, walkshed analysis methods, and criteria and indicators used to measure dementia-friendly neighbourhoods. Results of the review are expected to contribute understanding of methods for monitoring and evaluation of dementia friendly neighbourhoods. Both the scalability and objective nature of walkshed analysis are likely to be of direct interest to public health practitioners and planning and allied professionals.