Investigating Walking Environment Convenience for Mobility-challenged Individuals Utilizing Walking Aids in Seoul

Abstract

This study examines the challenges faced by elderly and disabled individuals with limited mobility who rely on walking aids in various environments. Specifically, it aims to analyze whether there are differences in obstacles to walking convenience based on the type of walking aid used. A face-to-face survey was conducted with 103 senior citizens and individuals with physical disabilities across nine districts in Seoul, Korea. A nonparametric ANOVA was employed to assess satisfaction with walking convenience concerning 18 environmental factors that hinder mobility, categorized by the type of walking aid: cane, rollator, or wheelchair. Cane users expressed concerns about slippery floors and uneven surfaces, while those using rollators highlighted issues with steep ramps, floor inclines, and uneven surfaces. Wheelchair users identified narrow sidewalks, speed bumps, and sidewalk obstacles as uncomfortable factors in the walking environment. Consequently, addressing these various inconvenience factors requires measures such as widening walking spaces, maintaining floor surfaces, and reducing floor inclines. © 2024 Architectural Institute of Korea.