Using the concept of environmental press to examine the built environment and physical activity among older adults living in long-term care homes

Abstract

Objective. To apply the concept of environmental press to study the relationship between the built environment and physical activity among older adults living in long-term care (LTC) homes. Methods. This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to assess physical activity among 78 seniors living in seven LTC homes. Secondary data analysis of existing environmental scans divided the homes into two levels of environmental press. Type and duration of physical activity were compared between seniors living in homes with appropriate and inappropriately high levels of environmental press. Results. Seniors' total amount of physical activity did not differ between the two groups of homes. Seniors living in homes with appropriate environmental press were more likely to receive physiotherapy and less likely to stretch alone than those living in homes with inappropriately high environmental press. Conclusions. Environmental press did not significantly influence seniors' total participation in physical activity. Validated environmental assessments tailored to LTC settings are needed.