Are home-to-park distance and park size associated with the frequency of park visits among older adults?: a multilevel analysis of location data from the global positioning system

Parks play a crucial role in promoting human health. However, most studies on park visits rely on subjective constructs rather than objective measurements. We used the global positioning system to objectively determine the number of visits by older adults to 25 parks within a 1600 m buffer zone from the homes of 40 older adults residing in suburban areas of Japan. Multilevel negative binomial regression analysis showed a positive association between the number of park visits and park size, but no significant association between the number of park visits and home-to-park distance. These findings suggest that park size may be associated with older adults' park visits. Location data revealed that park visitors were concentrated in large grounds and on walking trails. These exploratory findings suggest that park size, large grounds, and walking paths may be relevant considerations when planning neighborhood environments that support older adults' health and well-being.