Walking behaviour and patterns of perceived access to neighbourhood destinations in older adults from a low-density (Brisbane, Australia) and an ultra-dense city (Hong Kong, China). (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boakye-Dankwa, Ernest; Nathan, Andrea; Barnett, Anthony; Busija, Lucy; Lee, Ruby S.Y.; Pachana, Nancy; Turrell, Gavin; Cerin, Ester
• Is Part Of: Cities. Volume 84(2019)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Transport and recreation walking -- Distance to destinations -- Latent class analysis -- Between-city differences; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; 711.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2018.07.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2751

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Hong Kong older adults have been found to accumulate high levels of walking compared to their Westerns counterparts living in low-density cities. These differences in walking could be attributed to differences in destination accessibility. However, between-city differences in older adults' walking and perceived destination accessibility have not been quantified. This study examined differences in walking and patterns of perceived destination accessibility within 5-, 10-, and 20-minute walk from home between older adults aged ≥65 years in Brisbane and Hong Kong. Methods: We used data from epidemiological studies conducted in Brisbane (n = 793) and Hong Kong (n = 484) using comparable measures of perceived distance to 12 destinations and weekly minutes of walking for transport and recreation. Regression models accounting for neighbourhood-level clustering were used to estimate between-city differences in walking and access to specific destinations. Latent class analyses were used to identify city-specific patterns of destination accessibility. Results: Hong Kong older adults accumulated significantly more minutes of walking than their Brisbane counterparts and also reported higher accessibility to most destinations. The between-city differences in percentage of older adults with access to a diversity of destinations were particularly large for shorter distances (5- and 10-minute walk from home). Conclusion: Low-density cities should provide ageing-friendly housing in the city centre with high levels of accessibility to relevant destinations and/or promote the implementation of urban planning policies that support the development of mixed land use and higher levels of residential density. Highlights: Hong Kong is perceived to be a more accessible city than Brisbane. Older adults in Hong Kong accumulate more walking than their Brisbane counterparts. Improving access to destination within 10-min walk from home may increase walking.