Neighborhood built environment and trajectory of lower extremity function among older women

Lower-extremity functional decline predicts disability in older adults, and neighborhood environments may influence this trajectory through physical activity. This 12-year cohort study examined associations between objectively measured neighborhood walkability and gait speed among 1,256 older women in Portland, Oregon. Using latent growth models, baseline walkability was not linked to initial gait speed or its decline. However, increases in walkability—greater street connectivity, land-use mix, and transit access—were significantly associated with slower gait speed decline (b = .024, p = .020). No associations were found for park proximity. Findings suggest improving walkability may help preserve mobility and reduce disability risk.