Impact of the Built Environment and the Neighborhood in Promoting the Physical Activity and the Healthy Aging in Older People: An Umbrella Review

Guglielmo Bonaccorsi, Federico Manzi, Marco Del Riccio, Nicoletta Setola, Eletta Naldi, Chiara Milani, Duccio Giorgetti, Claudia Dellisanti and Chiara Lorini
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Guglielmo Bonaccorsi: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy
Federico Manzi: Postgraduate School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy
Marco Del Riccio: Postgraduate School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy
Nicoletta Setola: Department of Architecture, University of Florence, Via della Mattonaia, 14, 50121 Florence, Italy
Eletta Naldi: Department of Architecture, University of Florence, Via della Mattonaia, 14, 50121 Florence, Italy
Chiara Milani: Postgraduate School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy
Duccio Giorgetti: Postgraduate School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy
Claudia Dellisanti: Department of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via P Dazzi, 1, 50141 Florence, Italy
Chiara Lorini: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-27

Abstract: (1) Background: The aim of this study is to establish which specific elements of the built environment can contribute to improving the physical activity of self-sufficient, noninstitutionalized and living in the city adults > 65 years. (2) Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted in several database. Umbrella review methodology was used to include the reviews that presented a sufficient methodological quality. (3) Results: Eleven reviews were included. The elements positively associated with physical activity in older adults were: walkability; residential density/urbanization; street connectivity; land-use mix-destination diversity; overall access to facilities, destinations and services; pedestrian-friendly infrastructures; greenery and aesthetically pleasing scenery; high environmental quality; street lighting; crime-related safety; traffic-related safety. The elements that were negatively associated with physical activity were: poor pedestrian access to shopping centers; poor pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and footpath quality; barriers to walking/cycling; lack of aesthetically pleasing scenery; crime-related unsafety; unattended dogs; inadequate street lighting and upkeep; traffic; littering, vandalism, decay; pollution; noise. (4) Conclusions: Evidence shows that specific elements of the built environment can contribute to promoting older people’s physical activity. The city restructuring plans should take into consideration these factors.

Keywords: built environment; neighborhood; healthy aging; physical activity; elderly; walkability; health promotion; older adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (20)

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