The physical environment as a determinant of the health status of older populations

Although the physical environment as a co-determinant of health could be ap proached in many ways, we chose to focus on an understudied area: how the i mmediate Living environment can act as a persuasive force affecting physica l activity level in older people, with physical activity in turn affecting health status. To explore this topic, the methods and findings of a literat ure search are described, the theoretical underpinnings of our thesis are p resented, and an example is given of how a planned environment, which upon first glance seems supportive, may have unexpected and negative consequence s on the activity level, and ultimately the health status, of the residents . Theory related to changes with aging in homeostatic capacity and reserve capacity of organ systems as well as Lawton's environmental press-competenc e model are applied to environmental characteristics (e.g., staircases) of continuing care retirement communities. We argue that physically challengin g aspects of the environment, such as stairs, should be included in the des ign of living spaces for the elderly with the goal of encouraging greater d aily physical activity and improved health status.