Individual and Environmental Barriers to Successful Aging: The Importance of Considering Environmental Supports

Abstract

The cornerstone to successful aging is maintaining a consistent physical activity routine and healthy diet. This is particular important for aging adults to preserve their independence. However, for low-income aging adults there are significant individual and environmental barriers that reduce their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Understanding how environmental supports can be found in existing programs geared toward older adults is a way to insure long-term behavioral changes.

Keywords: Older Americans Nutrition Program; independence; low income; mobility impairments; nutrition; physical activity.