Unraveling the Walking Experience of Older Urban Adults in Seoul, South Korea: A Qualitative Geographic Information System Approach

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the walking experiences of older adults in Seoul by uncovering the interaction between perception, behavior, and the environment. Specifically, we provided a thick description of how walking shapes and reflects self-identity, social connections, and everyday practices among older adults living in a walkable urban neighborhood. METHODS: A qualitative geographic information system approach was employed to integrate qualitative and geospatial methods. From July to December 2020, 38 older adults residing in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Seoul were recruited. Data collection involved individual in-depth interviews, mobile global positioning system (GPS) tracking, and ActiGraph monitoring. Thematic coding and categorization of interview data was integrated with GPS and ActiGraph data to identify patterns and contextual conditions for walking. RESULTS: Older adults in this study perceived walking as essential to their autonomy and well-being, reinforcing a healthy self-image and fostering social connections. The dense and diverse urban environment facilitated walking for both leisure and practical purposes, creating opportunities for social interaction and informal social safety networks. However, participants who walked for work, such as collecting recyclables, achieved fewer physical health benefits than those who walked for leisure. The integration of qualitative and spatial behavioral data triangulated participants' narratives with neighborhood walking patterns in activity levels, purpose-specific routes, and natural social hubs. DISCUSSION: These insights highlight the need for urban health policies to prioritize walkable environments that promote active living and equitable access to daily opportunities for older adults. Addressing these challenges requires practical strategies that promote healthy aging and reduce social inequalities supporting everyday physical and social engagements.

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