Environmental Effects Upon the Mobility of Older People

Abstract

This is a study of environmental determinants of mobility among older people, comparing mobility behaviors and attitudes among residents of two cities of similar size but markedly different in physical characteristics including size, shape, topography and climate, as well as distribution of facilities and services. Respondents were representative samples of 709 retired people in San Antonio, Texas, and 899 residents of San Francisco, California, aged 65 and older. Predictions of behavior and attitude based upon similarities and differences in environmental variables were confirmed. The data support the conclusion that urban environments strongly affect the mobility of their older residents and suggest that the design of cities can have a major and beneficial effect upon the quality of life in later years.