Human Development and Family Studies Take a Walk with Me Peter Martin, Ph.D. Iowa State University

Human Development and Family Studies A MODEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Human Development and Family Studies

Social Environment and Physical Activity Social environment and friends influence participation in physical activity (Chogahara et al., 1998; Stahl et al., 2001), especially for older adults (O’Brien Cousins, 1995; Stahl et al., 2001). Active older adults are more engaged in their communities (Bauman et al., 2016) Well-integrated communities foster physical activity (McNeill et al., 2006)

Human Development and Family Studies Importance of Neighborhood Physical activity in the neighborhood with members of the local community is attractive and motivating. Physical activity leads to the development of social networks. Social networks promote higher levels of physical and mental health (Bennet, Schneider, Tang, Arnold, & Wilson, 2006; Grant, Todd, Aitchison, Kelly, & Stoddart, 2004; Wenger, 1990). Social networking has additional benefits that flow to the community by improving the health of the whole neighborhood (Fisher et al., 2004). Green features in neighborhoods can enhance social ties or the sense of community, which has been shown to be conducive to better health (Sugiyama et al., 2011).

Human Development and Family Studies Social Barriers (Magistro et al., 2013) Societal stereotypes regarding Activity in aging Social isolation Judgment from younger people

Human Development and Family Studies Walk Leaders and Walking Activities (Jancey et al., 2008) Encourage group cohesiveness and physical activity maintenance Provide expert advice, reassurance, encouragement, and feedback to participants Organize social activities such as breakfasts and morning teas Walking activities foster social support and facilitate group cohesiveness (Corti et al., 1995; Warren-Findlow et al., 2003) Cohesiveness in turn promotes exercise adherence, intentions to be physically active, and increases perceived behavioral control (Carron, Hausenblas, & Mack, 1996; Chogahara, O’Brien Cousins, & Wankel, 1998)

Human Development and Family Studies Taking Action A “socio-ecologic” approach” Personal goal setting (individual level) Social support and encouragement to be active (interpersonal level) Promotion of physical activity as part of worksite health promotion programs (organizational) Good access to parks and recreational facilities in neighborhoods (community) Promotion of policies that support families who want their children to walk or bike to school (public policy). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008)