Data-driven look at walkability and safety for older adults
Official title: Data-Driven Discovery of Walkability: Safety Risk Factors and Responsive Behaviors of Older Adults
Funded at University of Texas Arlington · NIH-11445929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly study aims to understand what makes neighborhoods easier or harder to walk for adults aged 21 and older, focusing especially on older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $142,835 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG091267-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (and those who care about their safety while walking) who live in communities where infrastructure affects walkability.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not walk regularly or who live in areas with minimal safety concerns may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will gather input from older adults through surveys and interviews to learn about physical, functional, and emotional factors that affect walking safety and motivation. Researchers will combine survey results with spatial data and a short field test to map risk attributes like crashes, falls, and perceived safety. The goal is to inform better sidewalk designs and transportation planning so older adults can walk more safely and confidently.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to safer, more age-friendly streets and neighborhoods that encourage older adults to be more active.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that infrastructure design and perceived safety influence walking behavior among older adults.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hyun, Kate — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Hyun, Kate
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.