| Title |
Investigating Walking Environment Convenience for Mobility-challenged Individuals Utilizing Walking Aids in Seoul |
| Authors |
김소영(Kim, So-Young) ; 유다은(Yoo Da-Un) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2024.40.3.181 |
| Keywords |
The mobility handicapped; Walking environment; Walking tool; Wheelchair; Walking stick; Rollator |
| Abstract |
This study examines the challenges faced by elderly and disabled individuals with limited mobility who rely on walking aids in various
environments. Specifically, it aims to analyze whether there are differences in obstacles to walking convenience based on the type of walking
aid used. A face-to-face survey was conducted with 103 senior citizens and individuals with physical disabilities across nine districts in
Seoul, Korea. A nonparametric ANOVA was employed to assess satisfaction with walking convenience concerning 18 environmental factors
that hinder mobility, categorized by the type of walking aid: cane, rollator, or wheelchair. Cane users expressed concerns about slippery
floors and uneven surfaces, while those using rollators highlighted issues with steep ramps, floor inclines, and uneven surfaces. Wheelchair
users identified narrow sidewalks, speed bumps, and sidewalk obstacles as uncomfortable factors in the walking environment. Consequently,
addressing these various inconvenience factors requires measures such as widening walking spaces, maintaining floor surfaces, and reducing
floor inclines. |