Neighbourhood walking experiences of people living with dementia and their care partners in western Canada

Walking is vital for maintaining the cognitive, physical, and social health of people living with dementia. It offers an accessible way to participate in the community and enjoy a sense of independence. However, walking experiences are shaped by various factors, such as neighbourhood design, infrastructure, climate, and available supports. Despite growing recognition of the importance of dementia-inclusive communities, there is limited empirical evidence on how the environmental and sensory features of neighbourhoods influence walking among people living with dementia, particularly in smaller urban centres with distinct seasonal conditions. The study aimed to explore the walking experiences of people living with dementia and their care partners in rural areas and their specific needs to inform policy development. The study involved six participants with mild to moderate dementia and their care partners' living in Prince George, Canada. Participants were purposively recruited through local community organisations and support programs. Each dyad took part in three interview sessions between June and December 2022, comprising two semi-structured sit-down interviews, and one walk-along interview. Through reflexive thematic analysis, six themes were identified: Impetus for Walking, Acceptance of Limitations, Sensory Experiential Factors, Seasonal Influence on Walking, Built Environmental Barriers, and Reliance on Care Partners. The findings show that walking is a vulnerable, yet adaptable, practice influenced by physical environments, seasonal changes, and social support. Participants described how sensory qualities, such as natural scenery, noise, and lighting, affected their comfort and motivation. Environmental barriers, such as uneven and/or poorly maintained sidewalks, restricted their mobility. Facilitators of walking included care partner support, positive sensory environmental conditions, and enabling social contexts that supported mobility despite environmental and seasonal challenges. Walking often required the assistance of care partners, reflecting a balance between independence and safety. These results underscore the importance of designing dementia- and age-friendly neighbourhoods that offer safe, accessible, and weather-resistant walking opportunities and foster supportive social environments that promote continued mobility and participation. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that walking is a meaningful expression of identity, connection, and resilience for people living with dementia, not merely a physical activity.