Associations of Transport and Recreational Walkability with Health and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Background: The relationships of well-being with walking and built environments have been investigated. However, few studies have differentiated the impacts of environment walkability for transport and recreation on well-being. Therefore, this study identified perceived environment walkability (PEW) for transport and recreation separately and examined their associations with health status and life satisfaction. Methods: Data were collected from 300 residents in Taiwan by face-to-face questionnaire interviews. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship between PEW, transport and recreational walking, body mass index, and health and life satisfaction, incorporating the influences of sociodemographics. Results: Land use mix-access and street connectivity reflecting PEW for transport facilitated transport walking, which did not impact well-being. By contrast, these two factors, aesthetics, land use mix-diversity, and walking facilities reflecting PEW for recreation facilitated recreational walking, improving health and life satisfaction. Moreover, car ownership increased body mass index, undermining health and life satisfaction. Conclusions: Policies should shape different environments for transport and recreational walking, improve recreational walking environments for well-being, and reduce car ownership to prevent obesity.