Developing a framework and priorities to promote mobility among older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Community Health

Background:

• Mobility is essential for healthy aging and independence in older adults.
• Community-dwelling older adults face various mobility challenges.
• A structured approach is needed to develop actionable strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a framework and identify priority actions for promoting mobility in community-dwelling older adults.
• To create a visual representation of actionable ideas through concept mapping.
• To prioritize key strategies for enhancing older adult mobility.

Main Methods:

• Project 1 utilized concept mapping with 211 stakeholders to generate 102 action items across nine domains.
• A steering committee refined the focus prompt for idea generation.
• Project 2 employed a Delphi technique with 43 participants to prioritize actions.

Main Results:

• Project 1 identified nine domains: Research to Practice, Independence and Engagement, Built Environment and Safety, Transportation, Policy, Housing and Accessibility, Community Supports, Training, and Coordinated Action.
• Project 2 prioritized four key action items.
• Prioritized actions emphasize environmental strategies, collaborative initiatives, professional training, and public health integration.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary framework is crucial for promoting older adult mobility.
• Environmental enhancements, transit, training, and policy integration are vital components.
• Findings support coordinated research and practice for optimal aging and mobility.