Diversity in the Urban Environment; Direct and Indirect Effects on Active Aging

This presentation addresses the diversity of the built and natural environment in urban settings associated with health and well being among diverse older populations. This work is based on the framework of Zhu (2003), Physical Activity Space and Shumway-Cook et al (2002) construct on the influence of environmental demand on mobility. Direct and indirect effects of the urban environment are presented in terms of its association with movement in the environment (walking) and distances to health promoting environments (grocery stores, parks) for ethnically diverse groups of older adults. Findings are presented on 201 older community residents in the Cook County (Chicago) area on ethnic differences in access and exposure to environmental protective and risk factors in reference to healthy lifestyles. Risks and protective factors include neighborhood characteristics (e.g. neighborhood crime), proximity to healthy recreational settings (e.g., parks, walking trails), community social settings (churches, senior centers), nutritious food options (grocery stores, convenience stores, fast food versus restaurants) and public transportation. Discussion will focus on ethnic differences in terms of environmental capital and the potential for reducing environmental health disparities through development and promoting healthy environments in non-traditional settings within the urban environment.