Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
5-21-2021
Year of Publication
2021
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Document Type
Master's Thesis
College
Design
Department/School/Program
Urban and Environmental Design
First Advisor
Dr. Graham Rowles
Abstract
Many urban places contain subtle details that can unintentionally deter pedestrian activity. These details can be assessed through six themes: safety, comfort, pedestrian infrastructure, aesthetics, proximity, and ease of navigation. Adults over age 65 may have more concerns about walking in urban settings than people in other age groups. This study identifies urban design elements that encourage and discourage walking among older adults and makes recommendations for design improvements. Study participants (n= 67) completed an online survey about walking behaviors, perceptions of health and community, and perceptions of seven unidentified scenes of pedestrian environments in Lexington, Kentucky. Findings suggest that feelings of safety and comfort were frequent concerns for older adults. Evidence-based recommendations are made to improve all six themes, to encourage walking among older adults in Lexington, Kentucky.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2021.208
Recommended Citation
Middleton, Sadie, "WHY WON’T GRANDMA CROSS THE ROAD? NEIGHBORHOOD PERCEPTIONS AND WALKING BEHAVIOR AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY" (2021). Theses and Dissertations--Urban and Environmental Design. 1.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ued_etds/1
Included in
Environmental Design Commons, Gerontology Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons
