Pedestrian-friendly streets help Pacific elders make the most of their neighbourhoods

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-09 03:00

New Zealand; Pacific

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Raised pedestrian crossings, wider paths, and reduced traffic speeds have helped Pacific elders feel safer while walking around their neighbourhood. Researchers interviewed ten Samoan or Tongan elders in Māngere and found that walking was the main type of physical activity for most; however, they had concerns about speeding drivers, narrow shared paths, and uneven surfaces. Neighbourhood redesign around Māngere Town Centre reduced stress and increased their perception of safety, with new or upgraded pedestrian crossings, in particular, helping elders feel 'safer and secure'. Study participants reported that they had increased walking, or were thinking about doing so, after these changes.