Are Retirement Villages Promoting Active Aging?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Retirement villages (RVs) are increasingly recognized as settings that can support active aging.
• However, the availability and utilization of physical activity (PA) facilities within RVs and associated neighborhood barriers require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physical activity (PA) facilities available in retirement villages (RVs).
• To identify neighborhood barriers to physical activity (PA) as perceived by RV residents.
• To examine the utilization of PA facilities and attendance of PA programs within RVs.

Main Methods:

• An environmental audit of PA facilities was conducted in 50 retirement villages (RVs) using the Audit of Physical Activity Resources for Seniors.
• Telephone interviews were conducted with 200 RV residents to identify neighborhood walking barriers and assess facility/program utilization.

Main Results:

• Larger RVs generally provided more PA facilities and programs.
• Facility utilization and program attendance rates were approximately 50% and not significantly associated with RV characteristics (size, age, facilities).
• Identified neighborhood barriers to walking included unsafe streets and hilly terrain.

Conclusions:

• Retirement villages (RVs) offer potential for active aging through dedicated facilities and programs.
• Low utilization rates suggest a need to address barriers, including neighborhood environmental factors, to enhance engagement with PA opportunities.
• Further research is needed to understand enablers and barriers to optimize PA participation among RV residents.