Elements of the built environment influence physical activity behaviors in older adults

1. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, traffic safety and destination accessibility were the factors of the built environment most significantly associated with physical activity (PA) behavior in older adults.

2. However, mixed land use and the quality of pedestrian and commercial facilities were factors of the built environment that were not associated with PA behaviors in older adults.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

Physical activity (PA) has several health benefits, especially in older populations, which can promote improvements in mental and physical function. It is well known that the built environment influences PA behavior. However, the exact role that the built environment has on PA behaviors in older adults remains poorly understood. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the relationship between the built environment and the PA behaviors of older adults to inform policymakers and city planners and help promote PA in older populations.

Of 1,088 identified records, 16 studies were included from database inception to January 2022. Studies were included if they were cross-sectional studies investigating the role of the built environment on PA behaviors in older adults without cognitive impairment. Studies were excluded if they were case reports or reviews or had missing or incomplete data. The study quality was assessed using an 11-item evaluation recommended by American healthcare quality and research institutions. The review was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR) of engaging in PA based on various built environment factors.

The results demonstrated that traffic safety, destination accessibility, aesthetics and greenery of sports venues, and building density were positively associated with PA behaviors in older adults. There was no association between mixed land use or the quality of pedestrian or commercial facilities on PA behaviors in older adults. However, the study was limited by not considering other aspects of the built environment, such as accessibility of PA facilities and weather conditions, which may impact PA activities. Nonetheless, the current study provided insights into factors of the built environment that should be considered to enhance the PA behaviors of older adults.

Click to read the study in PeerJ

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