|
Active Living and the Environment
Key Concepts: The Built and Social Environment
Recent research has shown that the built environment and the social environment are essential
components in helping or hindering us from becoming more active.
The built environment is the physical world we live in-- the
ways and paths we take when we move around, and where we go.
- It supports active living (everyday physical
activity) by providing the facilities we use to be active --
the playgrounds, sidewalks, trails-- and the places we travel
to-- work, school, the library and post office, the senior center.
The social environment is the people we associate with, the
"norms" or accepted behavior of the community, and
the activities we do in groups.
- It supports active living by providing social
support and companionship for and sometimes during the activities
we undertake. The social environment extends from motorists
that are friendly and patient with pedestrians to the presence
of recreational tennis leagues for seniors.
The
social environment needs a built environment that encourages active
living:
- Without gyms and play fields: no recreational leagues
-
In places with a poor walking environment, there is less of a
chance to meet neighbors and create a neighborhood community
-
Built environment facilities enable community-defining events
and activities such as fund-raising walks and races, window-shopping
districts, and historic walking tours
-
Built environment facilities provide a greater range of things
to do with our family and friends– visit a playground, take
a hike, go for a bike ride, cleanup a park
The
built environment needs a social environment that encourages active
living:
- Playgrounds and gyms and recreational programs need users
- A social environment that encourages motorists and others to consider
pedestrians and bicyclists is necessary to making the best built
environments feel safe to use
- Social support for active living environments translates into
funds and effort invested in sidewalk improvements, trails, and
parks and recreation facilities
Click here to go back to the top of the page
The
Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails Partnership works on both the built and social environment to encourage active living: The
Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails Partnership received a 5
year grant to impact the environment for active living
in our community.
Click here to go back to the top of the page
 Bikers encourage other bikers: The social environment.
Click here to go back to the top of the page
 Residential Neighborhood design: The built environment
Image from PennSCAPES (Pennsylvania Strategies, Codes and People Environments)
Click here to go back to the top of the page
Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails Partnership
15 Public Square, Suite 600
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701
(570)823-7000
|
