Factors Associated With Outdoor Frequency Among US Community-Dwelling Medicare Beneficiaries

PURPOSE: Despite the benefits of outdoor activity in older adults, a paucity of research explores factors associated with the frequency of older adults going outdoors. The aim of the current study was to investigate if factors of cognitive status, physical performance, and neighborhood characteristics were associated with outdoor frequency among older adults. METHOD: This cross-sectional study used National Health and Aging Trends Study data to characterize outdoor frequency among Medicare beneficiaries by participant demographics, health, and neighborhood characteristics, and estimated relationships between participant factors and outdoor frequency. RESULTS: The sample included 3,368 participants. The majority (51.6%) were aged 75 to 84 years and female (57.2%). Most (60.4%) participants went outside daily. Probable dementia, physical limitations, and presence of street disorder and sidewalk continuity were associated with decreased outdoor frequency. CONCLUSION: Research is needed to develop interventions addressing neighborhood conditions and promoting outdoor activity among older adults living with dementia and physical limitations. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 18(1), 40-52.]