A Multidimensional Analysis for Understanding Walking Habits in Older Adults Post-Pandemic

Hwang, Hyunjun; Haddad, Angela J.; Bhat, Chandra R.

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A Multidimensional Analysis for Understanding Walking Habits in Older Adults Post-Pandemic

2025-06-30
By Hwang, Hyunjun ; Haddad, Angela J. ; Bhat, Chandra R.

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Hwang, Hyunjun ; Haddad, Angela J. ; Bhat, Chandra R.
Corporate Creators:

University of Texas at Austin. Cockrell School of Engineering
Corporate Contributors:

National Center for Understanding Future Travel Behavior and Demand (TBD) ; United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program ; United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Subject/TRT Terms:

Aged Communicable Diseases COVID-19 Data Analysis Demographics Health Households Multivariate Analysis Multivariate Modeling Older Adults Pavement Condition Physical Condition Sidewalks Social Companionship Socioeconomic Factors Surveys Transportation Departments Walking Walking Behavior
Resource Type:

Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:

United States
Edition:

Final Report: 2024-2025
Corporate Publisher:

United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program
Abstract:

Physical activity is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. Despite its benefits, older adults fall short of the recommended physical activity levels. Walking, in particular, offers significant advantages for older adults because of its low-impact nature and lower likelihood of serious injuries. This report examines three key dimensions of walking behavior among adults aged 50 and older: frequency, duration, and social companionship (SC). Utilizing data from the 2022 American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Walking Survey, and employing a joint modeling approach, we identify the factors influencing each of the three dimensions of walking behavior. Our findings suggest that older unemployed adults from low-income/minority households, women, and individuals in households with children tend to walk less frequently and for shorter durations. Having social company on walks has the highest positive effect on both walking frequency and duration, dominating over other sociodemographic factors. The results also point to specific population segments: specifically Black individuals, those employed, and single adults, walk less in groups, while those in households with children walk more in groups. The results highlight the importance of considering social aspects in understanding walking behavior. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Format:

PDF
Funding:

69A3552344815 ; 69A3552348320
Collection(s):

University Transportation Centers
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:482bad06eba4dd8b80b8da515739365e1e94f8d55e07220f1792f0da5be693dc69fe6d3a28d8acdf568800a5df5e687b1d45c64765068f1f191a1c2120be774d
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/91957/dot_91957_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 942.45 KB ]

File Language:

English

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