My PhD work looked at a few angles of this. When streets are dangerous, fast, car-dependent, and loud, many older folks are inclined to stay home. Walkable communities promote health and well-being through so many pathways - ThreadSky

rachelweldrick.bsky.social • 84 days ago

My PhD work looked at a few angles of this. When streets are dangerous, fast, car-dependent, and loud, many older folks are inclined to stay home. Walkable communities promote health and well-being through so many pathways

Reposted from Brent Toderian

“Loneliness and isolation can lead to: 29% increased risk of heart disease; 32% increased risk of stroke; 50% increased risk of developing dementia among older adults; and 60% increased risk of premature death.”

Surgeon General recommends designing cities to create more connections. #WalkableCities

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expeditionworks.bsky.social•84 days ago

Same for kids: I interviewed researcher who found that the faster the traffic the less freedom kids had to move about.

https://jwp.news/the-city-is-for-children-to-use/

rachelweldrick.bsky.social•84 days ago

Definitely. Safe & Age-friendly communities should support us at every stage of the life course

rachelweldrick.bsky.social•84 days ago

BTW - this is especially true for older folks who live alone. Important for us to remember this as living alone is the #1 predictor of #socialisolation and is, increasingly, a predictor of housing insecurity for folks 75+

annemariedooley.bsky.social•84 days ago

Non-profit US hospitals must have a plan to show how they will solve the issue of people not getting enough physical exercise. IRS rule. Instead of encouraging exercise classes that older people can't attend, hospitals should pressure cities to improve walking and cycling https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/community-health-needs-assessment-for-charitable-hospital-organizations-section-501r3

stephdyhrberg.bsky.social•84 days ago

Our neighbourhoods need park benches. Places for people to rest, to eat, to read, to chat.

rachelweldrick.bsky.social•84 days ago

Exactly. Benches come up so often when folks are asked what they need / what's lacking. Benches can change an entire streetscape and yet so often they're an afterthought

stephdyhrberg.bsky.social•84 days ago

Worse: I think a lot were removed to stop homeless people sleeping on them. I’ve seen them overseas with metal studs to make them uncomfortable to sleep on.

rachelweldrick.bsky.social•84 days ago

Yes. Part of a bigger trend of hostile architecture. It's deeply shameful

snarkysteff.bsky.social•84 days ago

I live in a walkable neighbourhood and so many elderly live here. The older I get, the nicer I think it is that they can walk safely around here and stay independent.

rachelweldrick.bsky.social•84 days ago

Absolutely! It's vital

snarkysteff.bsky.social•84 days ago

Yup. I’ve lost 135 pounds since moving here. It’s just so easy to change your lifestyle when it’s built that way.

therealgobsmacked.bsky.social•84 days ago

And living people.
I lost a sister and niece to car on pedestrian slaughter. One driver was a distracted Nun. The Second a tipsy cop.

therealgobsmacked.bsky.social•84 days ago

And I have a lifelong painful shoulder injury from getting hit on my bike. But I am atleast alive.

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