The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, the decision to publish, or the preparation of the manuscript. The study was approved by the Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee (reference numbers 08/H0311/208

and 09/H0311/116). We thank all staff from the MRC Epidemiology Unit Functional Group Team, in particular for the study coordination and data collection (led by Cheryl Chapman), physical activity data processing and data management. “
“Outdoor mobility is central Dinaciclib to enabling older adults’ independence and social engagement within their broader community; it dictates connectedness with both social and physical, or built, environments (Gagliardi et al., 2010). In particular, walking (an element of mobility), either on its own or in combination with public transportation, and/or the use of private vehicles, are key modes of transport. Importantly, using public transit and walking for active transport are associated with

increased physical activity (Davis et al., 2011). For older adults who are able to walk outdoors, a combination of a poor neighborhood design and physical decline presents challenges to moving about in the community. A lack of fit between the person and the environment exacerbates even minor mobility limitations (Patla and Shumway-Cook, 1999 and Verbrugge and Jette, 1994). This, Selleck INCB28060 in turn, leads to a loss of independence and the inability for older adults to remain in their home (Yen and Anderson, 2012). Older adults engage in walking for a variety of purposes, including recreation and utilitarian walking as a mode of transportation to complete daily tasks (Gauvin et al., 2008 and Joseph and Zimring, 2007). Yet, if walking is to be encouraged among many older adults a safe, socially inviting, and physically accessible environment may optimize uptake and adherence to walking and other forms of physical

activity. The relationship between outdoor mobility and the environment is not yet fully understood, however, Vita et al. (1998) argue that encouraging walking among older adults provides an opportunity for physical activity and plays a part in postponing disability (Pahor et al., 2006). Further, a recent review by Kerr et al. (2012) highlights the essential role of built environment design to foster older adults’ physical activity. Therefore, communities planned with walking in mind provide positive health behavior opportunities. Social environments “encompass the immediate physical surroundings, social relationships, and cultural milieus within which defined groups of people function and interact.” (page 465) ( Barnett and Casper, 2001). The social environment, and perceptions of whether a community is recognized as friendly for walking, might meet or exceed the role played by objectively defined built environment neighborhood features ( Montemurro et al., 2011).