This project is a unique opportunity to capitalize on a “natural experiment” that will allow for understanding of the community impact of healthy, social, mobility-focused urban design on older adults; an aging demographic that will challenge cities to adapt the urban environment to be “age-friendly”, to allow for people to live healthfully, comfortably and independently as they age.
In partnership with the City of Vancouver, the researchers will evaluate the process of creating and implementing community-informed built-environment changes that put walking and cycling first (mobility) and that highlight the role of place-making (social spaces that build a sense of community) and their impact on mobility and health outcomes of older adults.
With a strong commitment to knowledge translation and moving research into action, solutions will be found on how best to implement built-environment modifications to enhance the mobility of older adults and slow the course of mobility decline and social isolation faced by older adults. Project results will be shared through the generation of a guideline document for cities that wish to make ‘age-friendly’ built-environment changes.
Principal Investigator:
- Dr. Heather McKay, Professor & Director of the Centre for Hip Health & Mobility, Department of Orthopaedics and Family Practice, University of British Columbia
Community Partner:
- Dale Bracewell, Manager, Active Transportation, Department of Engineering Services, City of Vancouver