Mobility of the elderly in densely populated neighbourhoods in Singapore

With Singapore's rapidly ageing population, it is prudent to acquire a better understanding towards the influence of densely inhabited neighbourhoods on mobility and walking duration as experienced by the elderly. The factors, road crossing delay,recreational facilities (social interaction area), cycle, exercise, medical and working were found to be significantly associated with elderly walking duration at 90% confidence level. Longer elderly walking duration (per week) was associated with whether the elderly is working and the elderly's perceived availability of social interaction areas and shops. This study also reveals how their typically short travel distances point to an importance of the immediate neighbourhood safety and accessibility of elderly living in Singapore, and elderly fallers who sustained lower mobility level( s) and walking duration. Besides developing policies aimed at bettering the health of senior citizens, the findings act as good advice for local authorities in prioritising neighbourhood enhancement schemes. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.