How Do Block Built Environments Affect Daily Leisure Walking among the Elderly? A Empirical Study of Gaoyou, China

Abstract

Currently, the major global economies have entered an aging society. The promotion of physical activity is an important way to improve the health level of the elderly, and the study of health geography is a popular interdisciplinary research topic. This study selected 12 representative districts in Guoyu City, Jiangsu Province, to conduct a questionnaire survey on the activity range and behavior pattern of leisure walking among the elderly. We analyzed the relationship between the environment factors of different blocks and the walking activities of the elderly. The results showed that: (1) A range of 800 m from home is the most important leisure walking space for the urban elderly, and a distance between 800 and 1500 m is an important optional leisure walking space. (2) The density of open green space, commercial facilities, and public service facilities has a significant impact on the elderly’s leisure walking activities. (3) The socioeconomic background and health status of the elderly have a significant impact on their leisure walking activities. Healthy physical conditions can motivate the elderly to form good exercise habits. The government must optimize the built environment elements in a targeted living space to encourage physical activity among the elderly.