Built environment, adiposity, and physical activity in adults aged 50-75.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Urban Planning
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on the built environment's impact on health, specifically excess adiposity and physical activity, in pre-Baby Boom/early-Baby Boom generations.
• This demographic is becoming a dominant force in the U.S. population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the built environment and health outcomes, including excess adiposity and physical activity.
• To identify specific neighborhood characteristics that influence these health behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, multilevel study design utilizing neighborhoods as primary sampling units (PSUs).
• 1221 residents (aged 50-75) recruited from 120 Portland, OR neighborhoods.
• GIS-derived measures of land-use mix, fast-food outlet density, street connectivity, public transit access, and green space were analyzed against resident-level BMI, walking activity, and physical activity.

Main Results:

• A 10% increase in land-use mix correlated with a 25% decrease in overweight/obesity prevalence.
• A 1-SD increase in fast-food outlet density was linked to a 7% increase in overweight/obesity.
• Higher mixed-use land, street connectivity, public transit access, and green spaces were positively associated with walking activities and meeting physical activity recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Public health and city planning should prioritize modifiable built-environment characteristics.
• Creating livable communities can address unhealthy eating factors and promote active lifestyles.
• These interventions are crucial for the health of the rapidly growing older adult population.