Move along, grandpa

Improving neighborhood walkability to get older adults walking

I think it’s fair to say most Baby Boomers don't like to think of themselves as senior citizens. But whatever name they go by, comfy walking paths and interesting places to walk to are preventative medicine.

Older drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, so let’s not put ourselves in a situation where 40 million 80-year-olds are driving cars all the time.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. 2012. “Table 12. Projections of the Population by Age and Sex for the United States: 2015 to 2060 (NP2012-T12).”

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases in older adults. 

Too much sitting around on couches, lawn chairs, and the seat of a car can lead to obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers.

One way to help older adults get more active is to make walkable neighborhoods. “Make” might start with the local planning department getting rid of the policies and procedures that prioritize car travel above health and wellness. “Make” might start with the local public works department pouring concrete or asphalt for walking paths and tightening up those sprawly intersections that are so hostile to pedestrians.  

(Always remember: car traffic is inversely related to neighborhood walkability.)

A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine found that neighborhood walkability is associated with increased physical activity in older adults. Sounds obvious, but infrastructure professionals need reminding: more people will walk in places where it’s comfortable to walk.

The study looked at data from 17 studies that included over 10,000 older adults. The researchers found that people who lived in more walkable neighborhoods were more likely to be physically active, and they were more likely to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. That’s doctor jargon for “the good amount of moving around.” They also say:

⚕️Physical activity is essential for maintaining good health as we age. Reduces the risk of chronic diseases: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even some cancers. It also improves balance and coordination, which helps prevent falls.

⚕️Walking is a low-impact and easy on the joints. This makes it a good option for older adults who aren't able to do other types of exercise.

⚕️Walking can be a social activity. Older adults can make it a way to hang out w/ friends, talk to strangers, and get involved in activities that are within walking distance.

Neighborhood walkability is so, so important for people who get discounts based on their age.

Doctors say that getting older doesn’t mean that you have to give up on physical activity. But the infrastructure professionals are actively blocking physical activity. 

Neighborhood walkability is a big motivation for me to make the WHITE COLLAR EPIDEMIC documentary. Unhealthy living isn’t inevitable. (More on that at the bottom of this post.)

There are a number of things that can be done to improve physical conditions for people of all ages. These aren’t new to you, but they have to be repeated:

• Building sidewalks

• Painting crosswalks

• Widening sidewalks

• Widening crosswalks

• Planting trees and other vegetation (that don’t block walking paths!)

• Creating parks, parklets, and other places to hang out

• Reducing volume of car traffic

• Reducing speed of car traffic

• Installing benches and trash cans

• Installing street lights

Those are just the types of things from public works or parks and rec. I’m not even touching on all the architectural treatments that make walking more inviting. (For deep dives on cognitive design, I recommend Ann Sussman’s website and

Justin Hollander

’s Substack.)

The crowdfunding campaign launched a few days ago for the unhealthy infrastructure film. These first several days are crucial for building momentum. Obviously I’d love it if you’re able to pledge something, but even sharing the link with your network helps.

Here’s some sample text you can use on Substack’s Notes, in emails, or on social media:

A doctor tells you riding a bike will help treat your anxiety and depression, but good luck surviving the streets. Please support this documentary exposing just how unhealthy infrastructure is, and what can be done about it. https://bit.ly/WhiteCollarEpidemic

Streets & buildings have the power to make you more anxious, depressed, and just all-around miserable. They could also make you healthy! WHITE COLLAR EPIDEMIC is exposing how experts are making our infrastructure unhealthy. Here's the fundraising campaign: https://bit.ly/WhiteCollarEpidemic

Doctors know what’s healthy for the human body, but infrastructure prevents healthy living. Why? Who’s responsible? Check out the documentary crowdfunding page by

Andy Boenau

: https://bit.ly/WhiteCollarEpidemic

I was interviewed on a couple of podcasts recently that should be published soon. One is

The Messy City

by

Kevin

. If you’re not already subscribed to his Substack, do that now.