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Anjali Joseph, MArch1, Craig Zimring, PhD1, Lauren Harris-Kojetin, PhD2, and Kristen Kiefer, MPP2. (1) College of Architecture, Ph.D. Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, 247 Fourth Street, #265, Atlanta, GA 30332, 404-385-4679, anjali.joseph@coa.gatech.edu, (2) Institute for the Future of Aging Services, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), 2519, Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008-1520
Physical inactivity is a pervasive problem among Americans, with the population aged 50 and older being the most sedentary (USDHHS, 1996). In order to counteract this persistent problem, public health officials and researchers are exploring new approaches such as the role of the physical environment in promoting physical activity (RWJF, 2000. p. 28). While there is an increasing body of evidence about environmental barriers and enablers of physical activity among older adults at the neighborhood scale, little is known about the role of buildings and sites in promoting physical activity. The purpose of this paper is to identify building and site design attributes of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that influence participation in physical activity among elderly residents. This paper reviews evidence from different fields such as architecture, gerontology and public health to support the link between building design and participation in physical activity such as walking. We also present preliminary findings from a survey of 800 not-for-profit continuing care retirement communities and other senior housing providers that are members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). The focus of this survey, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, was on identifying planning, design and program-related factors that are aimed at supporting participation in physical activity among elderly residents as well as potential for adding this support in the facilities surveyed. In this paper, findings related to site and building design in CCRCs are presented and directions for future research and intervention are outlined.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Environment, Physical Activity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Communities that are members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. No facilities will be mentioned by name.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.