Citation

Herrmann-Lunecke MG, Figueroa-Martínez C, Olivares Espinoza B. J. Aging Soc. Policy 2023; 35(4): 486-508.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08959420.2023.2196908

PMID

37011133

Abstract

Walking provides numerous benefits to older persons, but its practice is hindered by social factors and the built environment. This article aims to understand the factors that encourage or discourage older people's walking behaviors, as well as the policies influencing those factors in Chile. It does so by reporting the analysis of twenty-five semi-structured interviews with Chilean policymakers and local leaders. The experts consistently represented walking as a beneficial activity for older persons that, nonetheless, occurs in adverse built environments. They asserted that the absence of older people in the public discussion and a top-down policy-making structure hamper its promotion.

Language: en

Keywords

Built environment; policy; walking; Latin america; older persons