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Planning Walkable Neighborhoods for “Aging in Place”: Lessons from Five Aging-Friendly Districts in Singapore

Author

Listed:
  • Yiqi Tao

    (Department of Architecture, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Wei Zhang

    (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117356, Singapore)

  • Zhonghua Gou

    (School of Urban Design, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China)

  • Boya Jiang

    (Department of Architecture, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211800, China)

  • Yi Qi

    (Department of Architecture, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

Abstract

Today, “walkability” is considered a critical component of an aging-friendly neighborhood. This study examined the relationships between the neighborhood physical environment, walkability, and physical activity levels of older residents in Singapore. Five neighborhoods notable for their “aging in place” strategies were selected for a site survey. A questionnaire focusing on the evaluation of neighborhood walkability was administered to older adults in these neighborhoods. The questionnaire included three sections: neighborhood satisfaction, walkability, and the daily physical activity of older adults. The results indicated that adequate physical facilities and connectivity to the city were critical to older adults’ satisfaction with their neighborhoods. The mean walking time significantly dropped as the number of nearby facilities increased, and the number of facilities was negatively correlated with the daily activity levels of older adults. Thus, planners should attempt to calibrate the provision of neighborhood facilities to maintain the physical activity levels of older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Yiqi Tao & Wei Zhang & Zhonghua Gou & Boya Jiang & Yi Qi, 2021. "Planning Walkable Neighborhoods for “Aging in Place”: Lessons from Five Aging-Friendly Districts in Singapore," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-18, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1742-:d:494462
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Stuck, Andreas E. & Walthert, Jutta M. & Nikolaus, Thorsten & Büla, Christophe J. & Hohmann, Christoph & Beck, John C., 1999. "Risk factors for functional status decline in community-living elderly people: a systematic literature review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 48(4), pages 445-469, February.
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