Proximity to Facilities and Its Association with the Health-Related Habits of Functionally Independent Older Adults

Abstract

The aim was to examine how proximity to facilities, as a component of community determinants, is associated with the health-related habits of functionally independent community-dwelling older adults. This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews. Participants were >65 years old, living in 15 municipalities of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain). Proximity to park-green spaces, cultural-sport centers, market-food stores, retirement associations, religious centers, primary care centers and hospitals was explored. Sociodemographic variables and health-related habits (diet, physical activity and self-perceived social life) were collected. Logistic regression models were performed. The sample comprised of 634 individuals (55% women; mean age: 74.8, SD 6.7 years). Older age (odds ratio-OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.97) was associated with lower physical activity, while being male (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.08–2.68) and proximity to park-green spaces (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.03–2.61) were related to more physical activity. Individuals with good self-perceived health (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.82–6.74) and religious centers within walking distance (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.40–5.04) had higher odds of a satisfactory social life. Encouraging the creation of park-green spaces and leisure centers near residential areas can assist in promoting physical activity and improving the social life of older adults.

Biodiversity of Woody Plants on the Territory of the Town Hospital

“…In particular, a negative relationship was found between the area of plantations, their proximity and the frequency of bipolar disorder (H.-T. Chang et al, 2021). It is noted that green spaces near residential areas contribute to the development of physical activity and improve the social life of the elderly (Machón et al, 2020). The high density of street trees at a distance of 100 m from the house significantly reduces the risk of depression and the likelihood of prescribing antidepressants (Marselle et al, 2020).…”