Neighborhood walkability and health outcomes among older adults: The mediating role of physical activity

• Published in: Health & place Vol. 37; pp. 16 - 25
• Main Authors: Van Cauwenberg, Jelle, Van Holle, Veerle, De Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse, Van Dyck, Delfien, Deforche, Benedicte
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Active transport; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Belgium; Body Weight - physiology; Databases, Factual - statistics & numerical data; Environment; Environment Design; Female; Humans; Male; Motor Activity; Quality of Life; Residence Characteristics; Seniors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Walking; Weight status; Active transport; Environment; Weight status; Seniors
• ISSN: 1353-8292; 1873-2054; 1873-2054
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2015.11.003

We examined the mediating role of physical activity on the relationships of walkability with Flemish older adults' health outcomes. In low income neighborhoods, residents of high walkable neighborhoods had a 1.5kg/m2 lower BMI than low walkable residents. Of this difference 0.3kg/m2 (19%) and 0.2kg/m2 (12%) were explained through walking for transport and MVPA, respectively. Similar findings were observed for waist circumference. Walkability did not relate to functional performance or quality of life. Walkable neighborhoods may benefit older adults’ health, especially in low income neighborhoods. More research in other contexts is warranted to confirm current findings. •High walkability might promote health, especially in low income neighborhoods.•In low income neighborhoods, high walkability related to a healthier weight status.•Physical activity partially mediated this walkability-health relationship.•Several inconsistent mediations were observed for other health outcomes.•Other (unobserved) mediators might offset the positive effects of physical activity.