Riggs and Gilderbloom discuss a study for Louisville, KY that confirms the relationship between walkability and health, offering lessons for similar urban areas. Investigating years of projected life lost as it relates to neighborhood walkability, they found that more walkable areas are predictors of longevity. The study suggests that the trend toward longer lifespan may be connected to gentrification-related displacement and racial homogenization in walkable neighborhoods. The findings can help shape urban design policies and interventions that support physical activity.

Neighborhood walkability is linked to longer life expectancy in Louisville, KY, with potential implications for urban design and physical activity interventions.

Paper

The connection between neighborhood walkability and life longevity in a midsized city

References

Citations