Aims: It is important to identify the association between characteristics of the neighborhood environment, cognitive impairment and functional limitations to organize early and effective intervention strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 308 community-dwelling older adults was conducted. Logistic Regression analyses were performed to verify the associations between self-perceived characteristics of the neighborhood environment (Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale), cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination) and functional limitations (mobility, lower limb muscle strength and balance).
Results: Significant negative associations were observed: (1) better infrastructure, traffic and safety and mobility limitation; (2) better infrastructure and muscle weakness; (3) better safety and balance limitation; and (4) better streets/sidewalks and cognitive impairment. On the other hand, positive associations were observed between poor safety with mobility limitation and muscle weakness.
Conclusions: Our findings contribute to greater knowledge about neighborhood characteristics regarding mental and physical health in community-dwelling older adults.
Keywords: Built environment; Cognitive dysfunction; Older adults; Physical functional performance.
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