Differences in Neighborhood Characteristics and Physical Activity Between Older Adults in Metropolitan and Micropolitan Counties

Built environment relationships with physical activity have been studied extensively, but research has been limited to mostly metropolitan environments. PURPOSE: The study examines the differences in physical activity levels of demographically-matched older adults living in metropolitan versus micropolitan (i.e., small town) areas. METHODS: Participants (n=82) ≥65 years old from King County, WA (metropolitan) and Kittitas County (micropolitan) completed surveys and wore an accelerometer for up to 7 days. The Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale-Abbreviated survey was used to assess perceived neighborhood characteristics. Paired t tests examined differences in activity levels and neighborhood perceptions between metropolitan and micropolitan resident pairs matched on age and sex. Pearson's correlations computed within the geographic subgroups examined relationships between physical activity and characteristics of the perceived built environment. RESULTS: Micropolitan residents were less active in light (194.6 ± 87.1 vs. 251.7 ± 94.2 minutes per day) and moderate (6.1 ± 8.7 vs. 17.7 ± 16.5 minutes per day) objectively measured physical activity. Few differences in perceived neighborhood environment existed, although micropolitan residents perceived greater land use mix diversity (more places to walk to) but less infrastructure and safety for walking relative to metropolitan residents. Residential density (r=0.34; p=0.02), land use mix access (r=0.28; p=0.04), and aesthetics (r=0.29; p=0.03) were significantly correlated to moderate intensity activity for micropolitan residents. Land use mix diversity was significantly associated with moderate intensity activity for metropolitan residents (r=0.31; p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Older adults residing in a metropolitan area were more active than their micropolitan counterparts. Few differences existed in perceived environments between these areas, although fewer sidewalks and lower perceptions of safety, even with adequate destinations, may create barriers for older adults in getting sufficient physical activity in micropolitan areas.