Housing, the Neighborhood Environment, and Physical Activity among Older African Americans

Authors

Lonnie Hannon III, Tuskegee UniversityFollow
Patricia Sawyer, University of Alabama at BirminghamFollow
Richard M. Allman, University of Alabama at BirminghamFollow

Keywords

African American; Exercise; Home ownership; Housing; Neighborhoods; Neighborhood Disadvantage; Older African Americans; Physical Activity; Walking

Disciplines

Macroeconomics | Place and Environment | Political Economy | Public Health | Race and Ethnicity | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the association of neighborhood environment, as measured by housing factors, with physical activity among older African Americans. Context is provided on the effects of structural inequality as an inhibitor of health enhancing neighborhood environments. The study population included African Americans participating in the UAB Study of Aging (n=433). Participants demonstrated the ability to walk during a baseline in-home assessment. The strength and independence of housing factors were assessed using neighborhood walking for exercise as the outcome variable. Sociodemographic data, co-morbid medical conditions, and rural/urban residence were included as independent control factors. Homeownership, occupancy, and length of residency maintained positive associations with neighborhood walking independent of control factors. Housing factors appear to be predictive of resident engagement in neighborhood walking. Housing factors, specifically high rates of homeownership, reflect functional and positive neighborhood environments conducive for physical activity. Future interventions seeking to promote health-enhancing behavior should focus on developing housing and built-environment assets within the neighborhood environment.

Recommended Citation

Hannon, Lonnie III; Sawyer, Patricia; and Allman, Richard M. (2012) "Housing, the Neighborhood Environment, and Physical Activity among Older African Americans," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 5: Iss. 3, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol5/iss3/2