Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum distance an individual must be able to walk to access needed goods and services in Downey, California. The authors then compare the ability of a group of elderly people with multiple medical problems (treatment group) with that of a group of healthy elderly people from a local senior citizen center (control group) to meet the set minimum criteria. Results demonstrated that more than 50% of the group were unable to meet the standards set for community ambulator status. The findings suggest that the minimum distance an individual should be able to walk in an urban community to access essential goods and servcies is about 360 meters. The authors suggest further research to assess the ability of rehabilitation programs to improve environmental ambulation skills for older clients with multiple medical problems.