Most senior residents go about their each day lives by driving, walking or using public buses and subways. But many individuals of their 60s and 70s are prone to be involved in other options, equivalent to cycling. At a time when Cycling is growing And in America The overall population is aging.Seniors' preferences for bike design and bike networks are very relevant.
Older people could have concerns about riding a two-wheeler in the event that they are Afraid of falling? — A danger which Increases with age and causes many seniors to turn into less lively. Many cities and communities are working. Create a safe bike networkbut these are Designed for young, physically fit bikers.who're less afraid of biking near cars and don't need the occasional bathroom break.
Some seniors live in assisted living complexes or memory care facilities which have roads, sidewalks, and walkways for residents who push their feet. However, these complexes typically wouldn't have bike storage rooms, bike loops or protected bike paths to local parks and stores.
I'm a researcher in architecture – with a give attention to environment and behavior – and a senior, and I actually have Studied bikes and bike networks for 43 years.. In my latest project, I worked on Seth Gaylebehavioral neurologist; Linda MazzeeA health and wellness coach who works with seniors. And Heidi SavageA fitness director who also works with seniors, learn from older people what forms of bicycles and bike networks Help them stay active and independent through cycling..
We found that the vast majority of seniors we surveyed who tested three bikes preferred a three-wheeled adult tricycle or a two-seat model that enables riders to sit down side-by-side. For infrastructure, their major needs included bike loops, separation from cars and nearby bathrooms.
Benefits of Biking for Seniors
Many older people in America Don't get enough physical activity. for healthy aging. A 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that greater than 1 / 4 of all adults over the age of fifty Did not engage in any physical activity outside of work.. This proportion increased with age and was higher in individuals with chronic diseases equivalent to cancer, diabetes and depression. Inactivity was significantly higher amongst women than men, and amongst black and Hispanic seniors in comparison with white seniors.
Riding a motorcycle Provides many health benefitsIncluding cardiovascular exercise, stronger muscles, higher coordination and lower stress levels. It also offers advantages which are especially relevant for seniors. For example, one study suggested that cycling for a minimum of one hour per week Significantly improves balance in older peoplepotentially making them less liable to falls.
There are also results that suggest this practice. May help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.. For example, one study showed that when rats exercised on a wheel, their muscles produced orisin, a hormone that supports cognitive function. Arisen Passed into their brain, improves memory and spatial awareness..
Senior friendly bikes
For our study, we distributed surveys with pictures of senior-friendly bikes and questions on bike networks to 178 seniors in 4 senior communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Participants rated the pictures based on how well they liked different bike designs and provided further comments while viewing the pictures on a big screen.
We have also borrowed three senior friendly bikes. Van RamA Dutch company that designs bikes for a big selection of special needs. These models include:
- A 3-wheeled motorcycle for Ride together Each of which has handlebars and which might be pedaled while walking together.
- one Adult tricycle With back rest and a low center of gravity.
- With a two-wheeler Low center bar Which makes it easy to undergo when it's on or off.
On fifty elders RiverWoods-Exetera senior living complex in New Hampshire, and Fox Hill VillageAn independent living community for seniors in Westwood, Massachusetts, was invited to check the three models and complete a survey about their experiences.
Designing a motorcycle network for older riders
Based on the pictures, participants were most obsessed with adult tricycles and were also involved in two-seater three-wheelers. Adult tricycles are harder to pedal than two-wheel bikes, and rounding corners involves turning the handlebars without bending, so these models have a steep learning curve. However, they provide stability, which was clearly vital to people in our study.
Among seniors who did a test ride, the most well-liked model was the single-seat tricycle. Unlike a low-slung bicycle, the seat of this bike is nearly as high as a chair, and in contrast to an adult tricycle, it has a back rest.
The second alternative of the participants was the three-wheeled two-seater bike, which has seats with back, arm rests and seat belts. Very few participants were willing to try an everyday two-wheeled bike with a low center bar. People who tried it were already comfortable riding two-wheelers.
The comments were enthusiastic, especially for a two-seater bike. Seniors wrote, “I like the social aspect and teamwork”; “I see him as an asset to my community”; And, simply, “Awesome!!!”
Anne Lusk, CC BY-ND
Some noted that two-seaters could work for seniors who were caring for his or her spouses. “It would be great to ride with my wife, who hasn't ridden a bike in 50 years,” wrote one husband.
In response to survey questions on an important features of a senior-friendly bike network, participants said they wanted half-hour of continuous biking, two rides per week, and available bathrooms.
For the network involved of their assisted living complex, they wanted an on-site cycling loop. A path to a destination outside the complex; A smooth, flat riding surface with grass shoulders; And nearby picnic tables and water. Participants felt that cars traveled too fast of their residential area, so that they desired to ride on separate routes slightly than on existing roads.
Our findings echo other studies which have shown that senior cyclists need to ride. Safe bike lanes or separate paved pathsInstead of street traffic. Because many seniors have limited vision, one other feature that could make bike paths safer for them is Light colored border strips At the perimeters of the trail to assist older riders avoid straying from the major cycle path, especially at night.
Forward paddling
These are the important thing steps that I consider might be needed to provide results just like ours in scalable bicycling programs for seniors within the United States.
Some elders may appreciate it. Classes to learn how to ride a two-wheeleror riding with one other person on a two-seat model. Assisted living complexes can install bike storage sheds and buy several senior friendly bikes for residents to ride.
Protected bike lanes might be made more senior-friendly by making them level with the adjoining sidewalk, in order that a 3rd wheel can rest on the side of the parallel sidewalk. Lanes suitable for senior riders might be continuous and have bicycle traffic signals, crosswalks and nearby public bathrooms with signs.
Routes can lead from residential neighborhoods to destinations equivalent to coffee shops, post offices, grocery and drug stores, and parks. Destinations can provide a spot to park and lock bikes while riders shop or grab a coffee.
America has. An aging populationand the health of the elderly is a significant concern for the elderly themselves, their caregivers and taxpayers. There is powerful evidence that increased bicycle use by seniors can assist many individuals live healthier and more independent lives of their golden years.