Case Study
Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors
Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors PBA was part of the research team that developed guidance on how the design of streets and neighbourhoods can make a difference to older people’s wellbeing and quality of life. The surveys of over 770 people aged 65+ across Britain, using innovative research concepts and methods, showed the importance of the outdoor environment in people’s lives. Older people go out into their local neighbourhood very frequently, regardless of season, and walking is very much the predominant form of transport. The three major reasons given for going out are: socialising, getting physical exercise and fresh air and contact with nature. Analysis showed that pleasantness and safety of open spaces, and the distance to them, were significantly associated with participants’