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Assessing Older Adults’ Walkability in the Surroundings of Primary Care Centers: A Three-Case Study from Barcelona

Author

Listed:
  • Enrico Porfido

    (Sealine Research Centre, Department of Architecture, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Cynthia Pérez

    (Instituto Hábitat Turismo Territorio, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Pablo Martínez

    (300.000 Km/s, 08005 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Beatriz Puértolas-Gracia

    (Health Services Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
    CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain)

  • Aida Ribera

    (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
    Research on Aging, Frailty and Care Transitions in Barcelona (REFiT-BCN), Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili and Vall d’Hebron Institute (VHIR), 08023 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Laura Mónica Pérez

    (Research on Aging, Frailty and Care Transitions in Barcelona (REFiT-BCN), Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili and Vall d’Hebron Institute (VHIR), 08023 Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

This study aims to explore the walkability of three small areas (basic healthcare areas) of Barcelona city (Catalonia, Spain) for frail older adults. A mixed methods study design was conducted with 132 frail older adults in three primary care centers of Barcelona: Larrard, Barceloneta, and Vila Olímpica. A literature review was conducted to identify urban design indicators related to walkability and the aging population. These were then reflected in the surveys administered to the program participants, capturing information on their preferred routes, usual destinations, and walkability perceptions. Findings reveal significant mobility challenges for older adults, particularly the ones related to safety issues, the adequacy of sidewalk widths, greenery and urban furniture maintenance, and the presence/absence of commercial activities. This research underscores the importance of age-sensitive urban design in healthcare environments and provides a framework for enhancing walkability and accessibility for populations at greater risk of mobility-related health problems, such as frail older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Enrico Porfido & Cynthia Pérez & Pablo Martínez & Beatriz Puértolas-Gracia & Aida Ribera & Laura Mónica Pérez, 2025. "Assessing Older Adults’ Walkability in the Surroundings of Primary Care Centers: A Three-Case Study from Barcelona," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6658-:d:1706733
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marquet, Oriol & Miralles-Guasch, Carme, 2014. "Walking short distances. The socioeconomic drivers for the use of proximity in everyday mobility in Barcelona," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 210-222.
    2. Leyden, K.M., 2003. "Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importance of Walkable Neighborhoods," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(9), pages 1546-1551.
    3. Fernando Alves & Sara Cruz & Anabela Ribeiro & Ana Bastos Silva & João Martins & Inês Cunha, 2020. "Walkability Index for Elderly Health: A Proposal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-27, September.
    4. Fernando Alves & Sara Cruz & Sophia Rother & Tino Strunk, 2021. "An Application of the Walkability Index for Elderly Health—WIEH. The Case of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Porto, Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-18, April.
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