REDISCOVER NEIGHBORHOOD - A SYNTHESIS OF LIVED EXPERIENCES FOLLOWING DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS THROUGH WALKING INTERVIEW

Sep 28, 2026

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Around 85% of older adults with dementia in the US live in the community, yet fears of getting lost and driving loss often restrict mobility. Walking interviews are useful for capturing lived experience and environmental interaction, but prior work has been limited in scope and sample size. This systematic review and meta-synthesis includes 17 papers with 172 persons with dementia across four countries. Guided by the CODA framework, results show that environmental features can enable or hinder outdoor mobility, while people adapt via strategies, routine modification, and support networks enhanced by technology, with accessibility challenges noted. Findings inform dementia-friendly community frameworks.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

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Abstract

Neighborhood mobility and environmental features

Social networks and technology-enabled participation

Adaptation, resilience, and implications for dementia-friendly communities

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 367 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1243 REDISCOVER NEIGHBORHOOD: A SYNTHESIS OF LIVED EXPERIENCES FOLLOWING DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS THROUGH WALKING INTERVIEW Wenjin Wang1, Ziying Zhang2, Xi Chen1, and Chanam Lee1, 1. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States, 2. Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada Around 85% of older adults with dementia in the US reside within the community (NHATS, 2019). However, many do not venture far from their homes due to fears of getting lost or the loss of their driving ability. Therefore, the immediate neighborhood environment plays a crucial role in supporting their independence. Walking interview is an effective in-situ, participatory method to capture the lived experiences and environmental interactions of persons with dementia (PwDs), yet studies on walking interviews with PwDs is often limited by small sample sizes and a narrow focus. A systematic review and meta-synthesis can bridge these gaps and offer a critical, comprehensive view of neighborhood experiences after dementia diagnoses. We included 17 papers that involved 172 PwDs from four countries. Guided by the Contexts for Development and Aging (CODA) framework, we found that environmental features (e.g., street crossings, sidewalks, and landmarks) can either support or challenge PwDs’ outdoor mobility, yet many adapt by developing unique strategies, modifying daily routines, or relying on others. From the social perspective, PwDs form a vital, reciprocal network with family, friends, neighbors, and even familiar “strangers”. Technology further expands PwDs’ physical and social experiences by facilitating location tracking and virtual interactions, despite potential accessibility barriers and misuse. The study revealed how PwDs address vulnerability and adapt with resilience in neighborhoods as dementia progresses. More research is needed on the neighborhood experiences of PwDs, focusing on translating their daily realities into actionable frameworks for dementia-friendly communities.

FAQs

Why are immediate neighborhood environments important for older adults with dementia?

Because many people with dementia do not travel far due to fears of getting lost and loss of driving ability, making local environments central to independence and outdoor mobility.

How did the study collect and synthesize evidence about walking interviews?

It conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis including 17 papers with 172 persons with dementia from four countries.

What factors help or hinder outdoor mobility after a dementia diagnosis?

Environmental features such as street crossings, sidewalks, and landmarks can both support and challenge outdoor mobility, while individuals often adapt through unique strategies and routine changes.

Sep 28, 2026

Upload by Rizky