농촌 여성노인의 근린시설 이용 및 보행환경 인식 연구 - 충남지역을 중심으로 -

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the perception of walking environment and use of neighborhood facilities of rural female elderly, who are the most susceptible to ambulatory problems. The study showed that parks, senior centers and hospitals were among the most frequently used neighborhood facilities by rural female elderly, while bus stations and senior centers were recognized as the closest facilities. Frequency of use was higher for paid sports facilities rather than parks. Hospitals and health centers were facilities that were desired to be in close proximity. Social support, self-efficacy, and attitude were the factors that affected walking environment. Street trees, accessibility to parks, and street lights were factors that showed a positive relationship with total time of walking activity while perceived crime rate and slopes were perceived as environmental challenges for groups that walked under 150 minutes per week. One factor that negatively affected walking was the lack of sidewalks on streets. Providing parks and walking trails within neighborhood, pleasant walking environments, and safe sidewalks would contribute to improved perception of neighborhood and walking of older rural women.