Using a system of equations to assess the determinants of the walking behavior of older adults

Abstract As the most prevalent physical activity and transportation mode for older people, walking is considered to have multiple health and well‐being benefits. Previous studies used separate models to assess the built‐environment determinants of a battery of walking behavior measures, such as walking frequency and duration. In a departure from them, this study develops a system of equations, which is estimated by seemingly unrelated regression, to determine the built‐environment factors that significantly influence two correlated walking behavior measures (including walking frequency and duration) of older adults in Xiamen (a medium‐sized Chinese city) based on data from the Travel Survey of Xiamen Residents 2015 and built‐environment geo‐data. The results show the following: (1) the walking frequency and duration of older adults are affected by the built environment and socio‐demographic characteristics; (2) land‐use mix, intersection density, and bus route density positively influence older adults’ walking frequency and duration; (3) distance to the commercial center adversely impacts the walking frequency and duration; and (4) the built environment has similar effects on the two measures. This study offers a worthwhile reference for policy intervention to promote older adults' walking activities, thereby contributing to active and healthy aging.