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

Yiqi Tao, Wei Zhang, Zhonghua Gou, Boya Jiang and Yi Qi
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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

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-18

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.

Keywords: aging society; neighborhood; walkability; activity levels; elderly people (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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