Lower-Body Function, Neighborhoods, and Walking in an Older Population

Background Poor lower-body capacity is associated with reduced mobility in older populations. Purpose This study sought to determine whether neighborhood environments (e.g., land-use patterns and safety) moderate that association. Methods The study is based on a cross-sectional sample of 884 people aged ≥65 years identified through service organizations in Alameda County CA, Cook County IL, Allegheny County PA, and Wake and Durham counties NC. In-person interviews focused on neighborhood characteristics, physical and cognitive function, and physical activity and walking. Functional capacity was tested using measures of lower-body strength, balance, and walking speed. The main outcome was time spent walking in a typical week (