Posted: May 2, 2014
The best years of our lives?
Are our communities – as places – ready for the opportunities and challenges posed by an ageing population? Catharine Ward Thompson guest blogs for Age Scotland.
Resources
79 items
Posted: May 1, 2014
Activity, exercise and the planning and design of outdoor spaces
This paper reviews research into the relationships between attributes of outdoor environments and levels of activity and exercise in populations using those environments. It takes an environmental designer’s view of relevant and effective research and research approaches that can provide evidence for policy and practice. Ward Thompson, C. 2013. ‘Activity, exercise and the planning and… Read more »
Posted: May 1, 2014
Natural environments and their impact on activity, health and quality of life
This paper draws evidence from studies designed to explore the relationship between access to natural open spaces and physical activity, health, and quality of life. The research investigated patterns of woodland and green space visits for different kinds and levels of activity, relating these to perceptions, experience, and barriers to use by different groups across… Read more »
Posted: May 1, 2014
Preference and relative importance for environmental attributes of neighbourhood open space in older people
Having a neighbourhood open space that is attractive and easy to visit can benefit older people’s well-being. However, to date little research has explored the comparative importance of different attributes of local open space for older adults. Aspinall, P.A, Ward Thompson, C., Alves, S., Sugiyama, T., Vickers, A. and Brice, R. 2010. ‘Preference and relative… Read more »
Posted: May 1, 2014
Older people’s health, outdoor activity and supportiveness of neighbourhood environments
It has been found that the quality of neighbourhood environments is associated with people’s health. However, research so far is not conclusive as to mechanisms through which neighbourhood environments contribute to health in late life. Sugiyama, T. and Ward Thompson, C. 2007. ‘Older people’s health, outdoor activity and supportiveness of neighbourhood environments’ in Landscape and… Read more »
Posted: May 1, 2014
You really should get out more!
Public lecture recorded on 11.12.2012 at the Business School, University of Edinburgh. Addresses the question of why inclusive access to the outdoors matters for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Posted: May 1, 2014
Is green good for you?
Public lecture recorded on 16.10.2012 as part of the University of Edinburgh’s ‘Our Changing World’ series. Explores the relationship between health and access to natural environments.