• Heather M Hanson, Claire Schiller, Meghan Winters, Joanie Sims-Gould, Philippa Clarke, Eileen Curran, Meghan G Donaldson, Beverley Pitman, Vicky Scott, Heather A McKay, and Maureen C Ashe.
• Centre for Hip Health & Mobility, Robert HN Ho Research Centre, 7/F 2635 Laurel St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada; Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, 320-5950 University Blvd., Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
• Prev Med. 2013 Dec 1; 57 (6): 785-91.

ObjectiveFor older adults, the ability to navigate walking routes in the outdoor environment allows them to remain active and socially engaged, facilitating community participation and independence. In order to enhance outdoor walking, it is important to understand the interaction of older adults within their local environments and the influence of broader stakeholder priorities that impact these environments. Thus, we aimed to synthesize perspectives from stakeholders to identify elements of the built and social environments that influence older adults' ability to walk outdoors.MethodWe applied a concept mapping approach with the input of diverse stakeholders (N=75) from British Columbia, Canada in 2012.ResultsA seven-cluster map best represented areas that influence older adults' outdoor walking. Priority areas identified included sidewalks, crosswalks, and neighborhood features.ConclusionIndividual perceptions and elements of the built and social environments intersect to influence walking behaviors, although targeted studies that address this area are needed.© 2013.

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