Socioeconomic Differences in Recreational Walking Among Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Kamphuis Carlijn BM, van Lenthe Frank J, Giskes Katrina, Huisman Martijn, Brug Johannes, Mackenbach Johan P
Primary Institution: Erasmus University Medical Centre
Hypothesis
How do neighbourhood perceptions and individual cognitions explain socioeconomic differences in recreational walking among older adults?
Conclusion
Neighbourhood aesthetics and individual cognitions significantly contribute to socioeconomic differences in recreational walking among older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants in the lowest educational group were more likely to report no recreational walking.
- The association between socioeconomic status and recreational walking was reduced when neighbourhood aesthetics and individual cognitions were considered.
- Individual cognitions had the largest effect on reducing socioeconomic inequalities in recreational walking.
Takeaway
Older people with less money or education are less likely to go for walks, and how they feel about their neighborhood and their own beliefs about exercise play a big role in this.
Methodology
Data were collected through a large-scale postal survey among older adults aged 55-75 years, using multilevel logistic regression analyses.
Potential Biases
Self-reported measures may be influenced by personal characteristics such as personality or mood.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and self-reported data may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults aged 55-75 years, residing in 147 neighbourhoods in the Netherlands.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.18–2.35
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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