PURPOSE: Mobility disability is associated with poor lower body function among older adults. This study examines whether specific types of neighborhood characteristics moderate that association. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study is based on a cross-sectional sample of 884 @entity1 aged >=  65 years identified through service organizations in Alameda County, CA; Cook County, IL; Allegheny County, PA; and Wake and Durham counties, NC. In- @entity1 interviews focus on neighborhood characteristics, physical and cognitive function, @entity308 , and walking. Functional capacity is tested using objective measures of lower body strength, balance, and walking speed. Mobility disability, the main study outcome, is measured as self-reported level of difficulty in walking 2-3 neighborhood blocks. Estimates of main and interactive effects are derived from logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among older adults with poor lower body function, those who report less proximity to goods and services and barriers to walking report more @entity717 than other older adults. In contrast, among older adults with good lower body function, there is a low prevalence of @entity717 and little association between perceptions of the neighborhood and @entity717 . IMPLICATIONS: In addition to more refined longitudinal studies, this research provides a foundation for innovative place-based rehabilitation and hospital discharge programs for older adults newly diagnosed and treated for chronic health conditions.

Mobility Disability in Older Adults: At the Intersection of XXXX and Places.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['people', 'person'] @entity717 :: ('MESH:D009069', 'Disease') :: ['mobility disability'] @entity308 :: ('MESH:D003866', 'Disease') :: ['depression']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['People']
