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Abstract The authors measured the spatial extent of movement of older persons (i.e., life space) and examined factors that are related to life space. A larger life space was positively correlated with self-report measures of disability. In generalized logit models adjusted for demographics and time of year, a larger life space was associated with less visual impairment, higher levels of lower extremity motor performance, global cognition, and social involvement, and with personality and purpose in life. The results suggest that the range of environmental movement in older adults is a useful indicator of health in old age and may complement measures of disability. Notes *Values are mean, SD, and range unless otherwise indicated. *Estimated from separate generalized logit models adjusted for age, sex, education, time of year, visual impairment, and lower extremity motor function. In each model, those with the largest life space (score = 6) was contrasted with each of the three smaller life space subgroups (Levels 1, 2, and 3). OR is for odds ratio and CI is for confidence interval. *Estimated from separate generalized logit models adjusted for age, sex, education, time of year, visual impairment, and lower extremity motor function. In each model, those with the largest life space (score = 6) was contrasted with each of the three smaller life space subgroups (Levels 1, 2, and 3). OR is for odds ratio and CI is for confidence interval.
Barnes et al. (Tue,) studied this question.