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Healthy and climate-resilient neighborhoods for older adults to promote physical activity in daily life – A participatory project in two municipalities in Austria
Matteo Sattler1, Elisabeth Füssl2, Karin Ausserer2, Bente Knoll3, Elke Kastner4, Elisabeth Brandstätter1, Marlene Jobst1, Carina Kern1, Tobias Perkounig1, Saghi Zafaranieh1
1: Department of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; 2: FACTUM, Vienna, Austria; 3: Office for Sustainable Competence B-NK GmbH, Vienna, Austria; 4: Climate Alliance Austria, Vienna, Austria
Purpose: Climate change often forces vulnerable groups to adopt coping strategies, which also increase risk of social isolation and physical inactivity. To mitigate this, comprehensive transformations at multiple levels are necessary. In this transdisciplinary, participatory study, we aimed at identifying need-based changes of the physical and social neighbourhood to foster physical activity, health and climate resilience among older adults.
Methods: We applied standardized questionnaires (e.g. ALPHA), walking tour interviews and further participatory methods, such as a serious game, chatty bench and a rating of available measures with older adults (aged > 59 years) from two Austrian municipalities. Data on self-rated health, climate impacts, adaptation strategies, quality of neighborhoods, needs and ideas for change were gathered and analysed using regression modelling and qualitative content analysis.
Results: Overall, 143 older adults (mean age 79 years) completed questionnaires, and 30 took part in participatory activities. Needs identified included insufficient infrastructure (such as green space and sheltered areas), barriers to social activities during extreme weather, and lack of awareness of local initiatives. Solutions proposed included improving public transport, expanding climate-adapted green spaces, fostering community events, collaborating with educational institutions, and promoting reporting of infrastructural deficits.
Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of a multi-level-transformation to promote health, physical activity and climate resilience in older adults. The identified needs and strategies should be integrated into (local) climate action to promote (health-related) targets (e.g., Sustainable Development Goals) and equity.
Funding: This study was supported by the funding of FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency; grant number: FO999904587).
