| Title |
Characteristics of Walking Behavior and Neighborhood Boundaries in Elderly Dementia Patients |
| Authors |
박주현(Park, Ju-Hyeon) ; 정연준(Jeong, Yeon-Jun) ; 이경환(Lee, Kyung-Hwan) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2024.40.9.159 |
| Keywords |
The elderly with dementia;Walking behavior;Range of neighborhood area;Mapping survey;GPS survey |
| Abstract |
This study analyzes the walking behavior and neighborhood range of the elderly with dementia by comparing them to the general elderly.
Gihang-gu, Yongin-si, was chosen as the research site. According to GPS data, the average weekly walking distance for the elderly with
dementia was 1.54km, shorter than the 1.79km for the general elderly. Additionally, 41.66% of those with dementia recognized only their
immediate surroundings as their neighborhood, a higher percentage than among the general elderly of 27.27%. Their perceived neighborhood
area averaged 182,440 m², 16.1% smaller than that of the general elderly, and their actual activity range was 44,284 m², about 20.2%
smaller. In conclusion, it can be confirmed that the elderly with dementia tend to recognize their living area centered on the main building
and complex where they live more than the general elderly. In addition, it can be inferred that the actual activity range of the elderly with
dementia is narrower than that of the general elderly due to the anxiety that they might get lost. To create a dementia-friendly environment,
urban design alternatives should reflect the neighborhood range and walking behavior of elderly individuals with dementia. |