Chen Yen-Jong, Matsuoka Rodney H, Tsai Kun-Cheng
Department of Urban Planning; Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan.
J Aging Phys Act. 2015 Apr;23(2):286-97. doi: 10.1123/japa.2014-0004. Epub 2014 Jun 9.
Mobility barriers can impede physical activity, increase the fear of falling, and pose a threat to the ability of older adults to live independently. This study investigated outdoor mobility barriers within a nonretirement public housing community located in Tainan, Taiwan. Site observations and interviews with older adult residents determined that parked motor scooters, potted plants, the rubber tiles of play areas, and a set of steps were the most important barriers. In addition, the space syntax parameters of control value and mean depth were effectively able to quantitatively measure improvements in walkability resulting from the hypothesized removal of these four barriers. These measures of improved walkability can be included in a cost-benefit analysis of spatial improvement factors to help policymakers address the mobility and accessibility needs of older adults.
