Walkable Neighborhoods and Cognition: Implications for the Design of Health Promoting Communities

Objective: This study seeks to examine neighborhood characteristics, physical activity, and health status and their roles in promoting healthy cognitive aging. Methods: Using data from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Difference in Stroke (REGARDS) study (N=10,289, mean age=73.4 years), we used multilevel linear regression to examine the relationships between walkable neighborhoods (both objectively measured and subjective perceptions), walking behavior, physical activity, health status, and cognitive function. Results: Engaging in any moderate physical activity (β=0.47, p < 0.001), having better health status (β=0.02, p < 0.001), living in neighborhoods with greater street connectivity (β=0.15, p < 0.05), and positive perceptions of neighborhood traffic (p < 0.01) and parks (p < 0.05), were associated with higher cognitive function. Residence in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods (β=-0.01, p < 0.01) was negatively associated with cognitive function. Discussion: Both perceived and objective features of walkable environments may have consequences for cognitive health, and can inform the development of health promoting communities.