Perceived park proximity and quality, neighborhood physical and social environment and recreational physical activity among mid-older aged older adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine relationships of perceived park proximity, park quality, neighborhood physical and social environmental factors with recreational physical activity among mid-older aged adults. Additionally, we examined moderation effects of park quality and neighborhood physical and social environmental factors on the relationship between park proximity and recreational physical activity. METHODS: Self-reported cross-sectional data on park proximity, quality, neighborhood physical and social environmental factors, recreational walking and other moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were collected among 2700 Australian adults (57-69 years). RESULTS: Park proximity was positively related to engagement in recreational walking if participants reported that others were physically active in their neighborhood. Park quality and social trust and cohesion were related to more recreational walking among those who walked for recreation. No relationships for neighborhood physical environmental factors were observed, nor did any environmental factor relate to other recreational MVPA. CONCLUSIONS: Park proximity, quality and social environmental factors might be important to promote recreational walking among mid-older aged adults. More research is needed to unravel the complex relationships between parks, neighborhood physical and social environmental characteristics and recreational PA.