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Open Access 01-09-2020 | Original Investigation

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

Authors: Barbara Schehl, Joerg Leukel

Published in: European Journal of Ageing | Issue 3/2020

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.

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Title: Associations between individual factors, environmental factors, and outdoor independence in older adults
Authors: Barbara Schehl
Joerg Leukel
Publication date: 01-09-2020
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: European Journal of Ageing / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 1613-9372
Electronic ISSN: 1613-9380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-020-00553-y

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

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