Abstract
Walking transcends mere physical activity; it is a fundamental aspect of daily life that profoundly affects the well-being of older adults. This study explored the walking experiences of older adults in Seoul by examining the interplay between perception, behavior, and environment. A qualitative geographic information system (GIS) research design was used to integrate qualitative and geospatial methods to explore the lived experience of walking among older adults in navigating Seoul's urban landscape. From July to December 2020, 38 older adults residing in walkable neighborhoods renowned for their pedestrian-friendly infrastructure were recruited. Data collection involved individual in-depth interviews, mobile global positioning systems (GPS) tracking, and ActiGraph monitoring. The interview data were analyzed to identify themes emerging from the walking experiences of older urban adults. GPS tracks movement patterns, whereas accelerometers measure physical activity levels. Integrating these sources revealed contextual conditions for walking among older urban adults, verified through triangulation. Participants perceived walking as a means of attaining autonomy, cultivating a healthy self-image, nurturing social connections, and generating income. The dense and diverse neighborhood environment facilitated these walks, serving as a platform for social interaction and creating an informal social safety network. It was also found that walking for work, even when prolonged, led to less exercise than walking for leisure. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of walking, which has profound implications for the well-being and social connectedness of older adults. These findings emphasize the imperative for policy and design solutions that promote healthy aging and address inequalities.