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Desai RH, Choi S, Wehmeier A, Oxford JM, Morgan KA. Advocating for transportation equity: A critical examination of paratransit service reductions in St. Louis and its impact on health and community social participation. Disabil Health J 2024; 17:101666. [PMID: 38964937 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Social participation is associated with better health, quality of life, physical activity, and engagement in community living and is thus an emerging health priority. Transportation plays an important role in facilitating social participation. Our team recently reported in the Journal of Disability and Health that Missouri-dwelling adults aging with long-term physical disabilities who use paratransit services as their primary transportation mode are more likely to participate in social roles and activities outside the home compared to those who do not use paratransit. In March of 2023, the paratransit company Metro Call-A-Ride that serves St. Louis announced major scale backs to their coverage zones due in part to staffing shortages. This decision has been met with a formal complaint filed to the U.S. Department of Justice as well as protest from the St. Louis disability community and advocates. Thousands of individuals who relied on Call-A-Ride for their routine community outings-to work, grocery stores, or medical appointments, for example-have been affected by the cuts. In this commentary, we will summarize the media coverage this decision has received, including the perspectives of disability rights advocates and individuals who have been directly affected. We will then present an overview of our original research findings in the context of these recent events and a brief synthesis of existing literature on paratransit services in the U.S. The commentary will end with proposed policy, research, and programming solutions for St. Louis's Metro Call-A-Ride and public transportation at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Heeb Desai
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Program in Occupational Therapy, 4444 Forest Park Ave., St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Seyoon Choi
- Paraquad Center for Independent Living, 5240 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aimee Wehmeier
- Paraquad Center for Independent Living, 5240 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Kerri A Morgan
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Program in Occupational Therapy, 4444 Forest Park Ave., St. Louis, MO, USA
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Klicnik I, Riad Andrawes R, Bell L, Manafo J, Meens Miller E, Sun W, Widener M, Dogra S. Insights from neighbourhood walking interviews using the Living Environments and Active Aging Framework (LEAAF) in community-dwelling older adults. Health Place 2024; 89:103339. [PMID: 39142006 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to understand whether neighbourhood characteristics are associated with movement and social behaviors using walking interviews with 28 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65+). Results indicated support for each component and each relationship in our proposed "Living Environments and Active Aging Framework". Additional themes such as neighbourhoods with children, moving to neighbourhoods with opportunities for social activity and movement, and lingering effects of pandemic closures provided novel insights into the relationship between the living environment (neighbourhood) and active aging. Future work exploring sex and gender effects on these relationships, and work with equity-deserving groups is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmina Klicnik
- Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1L 0C5, Canada.
| | | | - Lauren Bell
- Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1L 0C5, Canada
| | - Jacob Manafo
- Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1L 0C5, Canada
| | | | - Winnie Sun
- Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1L 0C5, Canada
| | - Michael Widener
- University of Toronto, St. George, 100 St. George St., Room 5047, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Shilpa Dogra
- Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON, L1L 0C5, Canada
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Naud D, Généreux M, Bruneau JF, Levasseur M. [Indice du potentiel de participation sociale des Québécois âgés : cartographie des inégalités des zones métropolitaines, urbaines et rurales]. Can J Aging 2024; 43:84-98. [PMID: 37846100 DOI: 10.1017/s071498082300051x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Afin de mieux comprendre la distribution géographique des facilitateurs et des obstacles à la participation sociale des Québécois âgés, cette étude visait à documenter l'Indice du potentiel de participation sociale (IPPS) selon les zones métropolitaines, urbaines et rurales. Des analyses de données secondaires, dont l'Enquête transversale sur la santé des collectivités canadiennes, ont permis de développer et de cartographier un indice composé de facteurs environnementaux associés à la participation sociale, pondérés par une analyse factorielle. En zones métropolitaines, l'IPPS était supérieur au centre qu'en périphérie, compte tenu d'une concentration accrue d'aînés et des transports. Bien qu'atténuée, la configuration était similaire en zones urbaines. En zone rurale, un IPPS élevé était associé à une concentration d'aînés et un accès aux ressources accru, sans configuration spatiale. Pour favoriser la participation sociale, l'IPPS soutient que les transports et l'accès aux ressources doivent respectivement être améliorés en périphérie des métropoles et en zone rurale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Naud
- Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, Centre integre universitaire de sante et de services sociaux de l'Estrie - Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Mélissa Généreux
- Mélissa Généreux, Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Bruneau
- Jean-François Bruneau, Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur les réseaux d'entreprise, la logistique et le transport (CIRRELT), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mélanie Levasseur
- Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, Centre integre universitaire de sante et de services sociaux de l'Estrie - Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Fowler Davis S, Benkowitz C, Holland C, Gow A, Clarke C. A Scoping Review on the Opportunities for Social Engagement and Cognitive Frailty in Older Adults. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606494. [PMID: 38389543 PMCID: PMC10882720 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive frailty (CF) is defined as the clinical syndrome of the combination of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, without dementia. Numerous risk factors for CF have been previously identified but this scoping review focusses on the critical need for social engagement and the association with cognition. The focus of this scoping review on the opportunity for social engagement rather than on perception or experience of loneliness. Based on the results of 55 studies were synthesised into four social engagement categories, namely participation, household, network, and habitat. Social engagement is associated with maintaining or improving cognition, particularly through active participation in social roles. Habitat (i.e., rural or urban settings) also influences cognition and the challenge is to enable social participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Fowler Davis
- Faculty of Allied Health and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Benkowitz
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Holland
- Division of Health Research, Centre for Ageing Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Gow
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Clarke
- Faculty of Social Science & Health, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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Finlay J, Westrick AC, Guzman V, Meltzer G. Neighborhood Built Environments and Health in Later Life: A Literature Review. J Aging Health 2023:8982643231217776. [PMID: 37994863 PMCID: PMC11111591 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231217776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: This literature review aims to assess the current state of the field linking neighborhood environments to later-life health and wellbeing. Methods: We used electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, and ProQuest) to search for studies published between 2010 and 2022 examining associations between neighborhood built environmental variables and later-life physical, cognitive, mental, and social health outcomes. Results: Among 168 studies reviewed, the majority were quantitative (n = 144) and cross-sectional (n = 122). Neighborhood environmental variables significantly associated with later-life health outcomes included population density/rurality, walkability/street connectivity, access to services and amenities, neighborhood quality and disorder, and parks/green/blue/open space. Neighborhoods operated through behavioral and biological pathways including hazardous exposures, affective states (e.g., stress and restoration), and lifestyle (e.g., exercise, socialization, and diet). Discussion: Neighborhoods and healthy aging research is a burgeoning interdisciplinary and international area of scholarship. Findings can inform upstream community interventions and strengthen clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Finlay
- Department of Geography, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Social Environment and Health Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ashly C. Westrick
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Viveka Guzman
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gabriella Meltzer
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
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Jones CA, Jhangri GS, Yamamoto SS, Hogan DB, Hanson H, Levasseur M, Morales E, Légaré F. Social participation of older people in urban and rural areas: Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:439. [PMID: 37464306 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04127-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although the positive influence of social activity on health is now well-established, a complex relationship exists among social participation, personal, social and the environment. Social participation of older adults was examined in rural and urban settings to identify features of the built-environment and perception of neighborhood specific to the locale. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using cross-sectional data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), we examined social participation and health of older people (65 + yrs) in relation to the built environment and sociocultural contexts for urban and rural areas. A social participation index was derived from responses on the frequency of participating in 8 social activities over the past 12 months. Personal, household and neighborhood indicators were examined to develop multivariable regression models for social participation in urban and rural cohorts. RESULTS No meaningful differences were seen with the frequency of social participation between rural and urban settings; however, the type of community-related activities differed in that a greater proportion of urban participants reported sports and educational/cultural events than rural participants. Service club activities were greater for rural than urban participants. Different neighborhood features were statistically significant factors in explaining social participation in rural than in urban locales, although transportation was a significant factor regardless of locale. Trustworthiness, belonging and safety were perceived factors of the neighborhood associated with higher social participation for rural participants. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The relationship between home and health becomes stronger as one ages. Social and physical features of built environment specific to urban and rural settings need to be considered when implementing appropriate social activities for older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Allyson Jones
- Dept of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada.
| | - Gian S Jhangri
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shelby S Yamamoto
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David B Hogan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Heather Hanson
- Alberta Health Services Provincial Seniors Health and Continuing Care, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mélanie Levasseur
- School of Rehabilitation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Research Centre on Aging, Estrie Integrated University Health and Social Services, Centre-Sherbrooke Hospital University Centre, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Ernesto Morales
- Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - France Légaré
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Centre De Recherche Sur Les soins et Les Services de Première Ligne de S'Université Laval (CERSSPL-UL), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Physical Activity Among Older Women Living in Rural Areas in Canada: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12062-022-09380-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAlthough there is strong evidence linking physical activity in older age with wellbeing and health benefits, these relationships tend to be under-researched in a rural context. A scoping review was conducted to identify what is known about physical activity among older women living in rural Canada. The search strategy was intentionally broad, with eight databases, academic journals, and websites scanned for research and grey literature related to Canada, in English, from 2000 to 2022. 33 studies, reviews, and reports were included in the final selection. These articles indicate that physical activity among older women living in rural Canada is influenced by a multitude of layers, contexts, conditions, and environments, with outcomes dependent on a mixture of personal, relational, community, societal, and governmental factors. In general, the women are committed to creating and maintaining an active lifestyle, and supporting their local rural community to enable these activities. While the social environment can proscribe physical activity through ageist attitudes and restrictive socio-cultural norms, social support from family and community members mitigates against these constraints. Rural infrastructure, geography, climate (seasons and weather), as well as transportation and policy issues may also impede the physical activity opportunities of the women. Some of the problems related to sustaining and resourcing recreational activity in rural communities are partly addressed through the implications presented in the articles. Among others, these suggestions relate to leadership and learning opportunities, public engagement, and the partnership working involved in supporting physical activity in rural areas. However, further research is long overdue.
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Matsumoto D, Takatori K, Miyata A, Yamasaki N, Miyazaki M, Imanishi A, Moon JS. Association between neighborhood walkability and social participation in community-dwelling older adults in Japan: A cross-sectional analysis of the keeping active across generations uniting the youth and the aged study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22:350-359. [PMID: 35118801 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated neighborhood walkability using Walk Score® and social participation in districts within a city among older Japanese adults. METHODS This study was a cross-sectional study using baseline data of older adults from the Keeping Active across Generations Uniting the Youth and the Aged study. In total, 2750 participants (1361 men and 1389 women, mean age 72.8 ± 6.4 years) were included in the analysis. The questionnaire included socioeconomic status, self-rated health, medical history, depressive symptoms, instrumental activities of daily living and social participation. We used the Walk Score® as neighborhood walkability and a walk score <50 was categorized as a "car-dependent" area and a score ≥50 as a "walkable" area. A Poisson regression analysis stratified by sex was performed to investigate the association of neighborhood walkability with social participation. Prevalence ratios were calculated and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS We found that dwelling in car-dependent areas (prevalence ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.64-0.94) had a significant negative effect on women's social participation, unlike men. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that neighborhood walkability and social participation were associated with older Japanese women after adjusting for the covariates. These findings might provide helpful information for public health interventions targeted to promote social participation among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••-•• Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; ••: ••-••.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Matsumoto
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kio University, Nara, Japan.,Health Promotion Center, Kio University, Nara, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Takatori
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kio University, Nara, Japan.,Health Promotion Center, Kio University, Nara, Japan
| | - Akiho Miyata
- Department of Rehabilitation, Izumi City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naomi Yamasaki
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kio University, Nara, Japan
| | - Makoto Miyazaki
- Learning Technology Laboratory, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Imanishi
- Division of Care and Welfare, Koryo Town, Nara, Japan
| | - Jong-Seong Moon
- Health Promotion Center, Kio University, Nara, Japan.,Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kio University, Nara, Japan
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Mouri N, Ohta R, Sano C. Effects of Shopping Rehabilitation on Older People's Daily Activities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010569. [PMID: 35010839 PMCID: PMC8744656 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In an aged society, the deterioration of physical and cognitive functions is prevalent. To motivate the rehabilitation of older persons, an initiative known as “shopping rehabilitation” incorporates shopping as an element of a nudge. The purpose of this study was to clarify motor function changes and cognitive functions of participants during shopping rehabilitation, through a semi-experimental study. We measured changes in the Kihon Checklist score before and after rehabilitation interventions. A paired t-test was used to analyze changes in the overall score of the basic checklist before and after the rehabilitation intervention. In December 2020, 59 participants answered the Kihon Checklist after their shopping rehabilitation intervention. During the 6-month intervention period, the number of participants with a checklist score of 8 or higher was significantly reduced after the intervention (p = 0.050). In the sub-analysis, the score improved significantly for the group with families (p = 0.050). Improvement was observed in the group living alone, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.428). The shopping rehabilitation intervention improved the Kihon Checklist score. Continuous observations and research are necessary to measure the long-term effects of shopping rehabilitation and the mechanisms that foster their maintenance and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Mouri
- Department of Community Medicine Management, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya Cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (N.M.); (C.S.)
- Community Care, Unnan City Hospital, 96-1 Iida, Daito-Cho, Unnan 699-1221, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Ohta
- Community Care, Unnan City Hospital, 96-1 Iida, Daito-Cho, Unnan 699-1221, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-9050605330
| | - Chiaki Sano
- Department of Community Medicine Management, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya Cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (N.M.); (C.S.)
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Yang L, Cheng J, Wang H. Place of Residence and Cognitive Function in Older Adults in China: The Mediating Role of Social Participation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010013. [PMID: 35010273 PMCID: PMC8750759 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Cognitive impairment is a severe health problem faced by older adults and their families, as well as the countries in which they live. Differences in place of residence may contribute to differences in the cognitive function of older adults, and the mediating effect of social participation has rarely been studied in China. Methods: A total of 10,014 older adult participants were included, using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Place of residence was described as either a city, town, or rural area. The frequency of participation in organized social activities and visits and interactions with friends was used to assess both formal and informal social participation. The Chinese version of a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used as a measure of cognitive function. The mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes' process version 3.4 on SPSS (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Place of residence had a negative effect on cognitive function in older adults. The mediating functions of both informal (a1b1 = 0.199) and formal (a2b2 = -0.056) social participation indicate a suppression effect on the part of informal social participation and a partial mediation effect on the part of formal social participation in terms of the association between place of residence and cognitive function in older adults. Promoting both informal and formal social participation seems to be an important strategy for preventing a decline in the cognitive function of older adults, especially for those living in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan 030001, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-15513037212
| | - Jingmin Cheng
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan 030001, China;
| | - Hongman Wang
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China;
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Latham-Mintus K, Manierre M, Miller K. Staying Connected: Alternative Transportation Use, Neighborhoods, and Social Participation among Older Americans. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 62:75-88. [PMID: 34133722 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A wealth of empirical evidence documents improved health among older adults who participate in social activities. Alternative transportation can serve as a bridge linking older adults to social activities and improving person-environment fit. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using Waves 1-8 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), this research examines whether alternative transportation use is associated with participation in diverse social activities among a sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or older. Additionally, this research explores whether the effect of transportation use varies across neighborhood environments. We analyzed individual trajectories of participation in social activities by estimating two-level growth curve models. RESULTS The use of public transportation, paratransit, getting a ride, or walking/using wheelchair/scooter to get places was associated with participating in more types of social activities. Respondents who used alternative transportation had less steep declines in participation. The effect of getting rides and using paratransit services was more pronounced among respondents living in disordered neighborhoods. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This research underscores the importance of alternative transportation use and the neighborhood context for participation among older adults. Age-friendly initiatives aimed at fostering greater community engagement should think broadly about the role of multiple forms of transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenzie Latham-Mintus
- Department of Sociology, School of Liberal Arts, IUPUI, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Matthew Manierre
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, USA
| | - Keith Miller
- Indiana University School of Social Work, IUPUI, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Cerin E, Yin S, Choi WK, Ngan W, Tham R, Barnett A. Development of Measures of Perceived Neighborhood Environmental Attributes Influencing, and Perceived Barriers to Engagement in, Healthy Behaviors for Older Chinese Immigrants to Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094531. [PMID: 33923306 PMCID: PMC8123107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Environmental correlates, barriers, and facilitators of physical activity, healthy eating, and socializing are understudied in older immigrants to developed countries. This study developed/adapted and validated measures of perceived barriers and neighborhood environmental characteristics related to these health-enhancing behaviors appropriate for older Chinese immigrants to Australia and similar Western countries. Older Chinese immigrants living in Melbourne (Australia) were recruited from neighborhoods varying in walkability and percentage of Chinese residents. Versions of the Neighborhood Environment for Healthy Aging–Chinese Immigrants to Australia (NEHA-CIA) questionnaire (20 subscales) and the Perceived Barriers to Health-Enhancing Behaviors questionnaire (four subscales) were developed from extant validated scales and information collected in formative qualitative research. Thirty-one participants took part in cognitive interviews aimed to pilot-test and refine the questionnaires. The modified questionnaires were administered to 52 participants twice, two weeks apart. Test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), and construct validity (associations with theoretically-relevant constructs) were examined. Most items and subscales of both questionnaires had good test-retest reliability and internal consistency, while the NEHA-CIA also showed good construct validity. Future studies need to further examine the construct validity of the questionnaire of perceived barriers and determine the factorial validity of both measures on large representative samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Cerin
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (W.K.C.); (R.T.); (A.B.)
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-9230-8260
| | - Shiyuan Yin
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia; (S.Y.); (W.N.)
| | - Wing Ka Choi
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (W.K.C.); (R.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Winsfred Ngan
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia; (S.Y.); (W.N.)
| | - Rachel Tham
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (W.K.C.); (R.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Anthony Barnett
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (W.K.C.); (R.T.); (A.B.)
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