ABSTRACT
Ecological models of physical activity postulate that perceived and objectively assessed aspects of the neighbourhood physical environment are significant contributors to regular engagement in physical activity. The authors synthesised and critically reviewed the available evidence on aspects of the neighbourhood physical environment related to older adults’ physical activity, with a particular focus on total physical activity and physical activity undertaken for leisure and transportation purposes. The reviewed studies supported strong links between the neighbourhood physical environment and older adults’ active travel and total physical activity in particular. Quantitative findings related to leisure-time physical activity were more limited possibly due to the volitional nature of this type of activity. Although the reviewed evidence suggests that the creation of dense, destination-rich, safe, aesthetically pleasing, and pedestrian-friendly environments may yield population-level increases in older adults’ physical activity by promoting active travel and leisure-time physical activity, this evidence is based on findings from observational, mainly cross-sectional, studies. Studies providing stronger evidence of causal effects in older adults are needed.
