Our Golden Citizens With Golden Facilities 2012 Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences

Available online at www.sciencedirect.
com
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 49 (2012) 127 146
1nCEBS 2009 Shah Alam
1st National Conference on Environment-Behaviour Studies, Faculty of Architecture,

Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia,
14-15 November 2009
Our Golden Citizens with Golden Facilities?

Mohamed Yusoff Abbas* and Masran Saruwono
Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies, Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450,
Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Abstract
Malaysia is currently facing the problem of population ageing. This paper attempted to gauge the status of facilities
and provisions of the outdoor environment for older people in the Klang Valley. The strategy for the research design
was surveys, while the data collection involved focused group interviews upon 25 older persons, 133 questionnaire
respondents either accommodated in their own homes or institutions and personal observations. Despite provisions of
existing facilities, there remained rooms for improvement in ensuring the outdoor environment to be more barrier-
free and inclusive towards the creation of a healthier ageing environment, golden enough for our golden citizens.
2011Published
2012 Publishedbyby Elsevier
Elsevier Ltd.Ltd. Selection
Selection and and peer-review
peer-review underunder responsibility
responsibility of Centre
of Centre for Environment-
for Environment- Behaviour
Behaviour
Studies Studies
(cE-Bs), (cE-Bs),
Faculty Faculty of Architecture,
of Architecture, Planning &Planning & Surveying,
Surveying, Universiti MARA,
Universiti Teknologi Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Malaysia
Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license.
Keywords: Inclusive outdoor environment; older people; accessibility; healthy ageing
1. Introduction
Like most countries in East and South East Asia, due to rapid fertility declines and life expectancy
improvements, Malaysia is currently facing the problem of population ageing, that is, the increasing
proportion of older persons in the total population (Mujahid, 2006). In Malaysia, the term warga emas
(golden citizens) is normally given to those in the public services who have reached the compulsory
*
Corresponding author. Tel.: 006-03-55211541; fax: 006-03-55444353.
E-mail address: myusoff801@salam.uitm.edu.my.
1877-0428 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies (cE-Bs),
Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license.
doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.07.012
128 Mohamed Yusoff Abbas and Masran Saruwono / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 49 (2012) 127 146
retirement age of 58 years old. Officially, Malaysia uses the 60 years and over in deliberating ageing
trends (Department of Statistics, Malaysia, 1998). Those categories of people which recorded 6.3% (or
1.4, million) of the total Malaysian population in 2000 is projected to increase to 22% (or 8.7 million) in
2050 (UN, 2006).
Amongst the challenges faced and of utmost concern of this global phenomenon is in ensuring the
older people are provided with adequate care and facilities so that they can attain a better quality of life
which also could encourage healthy ageing. Related with this issue is Malaysias vision in becoming a
developed nation by 2020. However, most developed nations had made many initiatives towards creating
a safe, barrier-free accessibility and provided facilities that catered the needs of their older people which
encouraged healthy ageing. What is the status pertaining to the needs of such older people in Malaysia?
Have the issues on safety, security and accessibility been addressed to meet the increasing growth of her
older people? Does the physical environment encourage healthy ageing at par with other developed
nations?
Based on the just concluded FRGS study, conducted about inclusive environment in the Klang Valley,
this paper attempted to gauge the status of the outdoor environment and the influence and effects of that
environment upon the comfort and quality of life of older people. The objective being to determine
whether there were differences in the opinion between older people accommodated in their private homes
and those in private institutions as regards to the facilities and provisions of the outdoor environment
provided. This study was significant because the findings could determine any rooms for improvements
pertaining to the facilities and provisions of the outdoor environment provided for the older people.
2. Literature Review
Issues pertaining to outdoor environment upon older people have been well documented in the
literature. More recent literatures reviewed included issues which related to the natural outdoor elements,
physical activities, social interactions, mobility / accessibilities, provision of facilities, health, safety,
quality of life, and suggestions for future researches.
With regards to issues in relation to the natural outdoor elements, this involved preferences and
provisions of related facilities, safety, nearness, accessibility, attractiveness, and health benefits. For
example, Alves et. al., (2008) revealed preferences of older people for neighbourhood parks without
nuisance, with provisions of cafes and toilets, trees and plantings, light traffic en route, wildlife to watch,
and is well maintained. Provision of opportunities for such safe and within reach recreation areas and
facilities did promoted an active lifestyle for the older people (Neovonen, et. al., 2007). The accessibility
and attractiveness of such environment encouraged more frequent visits hence resulting in better health
(Rappe et. al., 2006). In fact, Yamane and Adachi (2008), revealed that the daily routine for horticultural
activity significantly correlated with health related quality of life, and preference for such outdoor activity
correlated with scores of physical functioning. In concurring with this, Bell et al (2008) cited
increasingly well recognised benefits to health and well-being from closer contact with nature. Earlier,
Sullivan et al (2004) revealed the frequent use of outdoor spaces with the presence of trees and grass,
which at the same time encouraged social activity.
On the encouragement of outdoor physical activity for older people, issues involved supportive
environments in facilitating mobility, benefits of such activity, and attractiveness of such environment.
For example, Hoybrandt et. al. (2007) suggested that facilitating outdoor mobility and the possibilities of
social interaction could support in particular the very old people's occupational performance outdoor. The
importance of physical activity such as exercise habituation affected not only physical function such as
muscle strength, etc. (Shimada et. al., 2002) but also contributed independently to the promotion and
maintenance of psychological wellbeing in later life (Morgan and Bath, 1998). Silverstein and Parker
Mohamed Yusoff Abbas and Masran Saruwono / Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 49 (2012) 127 146 129
(2002) concurred with this as they found that maximizing activity participation was an adaptive strategy
taken by older adults to compensate for social (due to being widowed) and physical deficits (due to
impairments) in later life. Such strategy in being more motivated to be physically active adapted by the
older category (above 65 years old) was also found by Sugerman (2002). It is also important that outdoor
physical activity facilities be attractive as such environment did encouraged more participations as found
by Joseph et al (2005). In fact in a later study Joseph and Zimring (2007) found that longer recreational
paths would be used by the older people provided the paths were without steps and had attractive views.
In relation to issues on the social interaction of older people, Marbech et al (2001) investigated
the factors, which determined the activity space of the aged, and their findings backed the attachment
theory and the laws of reciprocity. Sugihara and Evans (2000) reported that attachment to place led to the
formation of strong social ties. Earlier, Mollenkopf et al (1997) found that there existed a clear
connection between the social situation of older people and specific mobility patterns, that is they
frequent to be more away from home if they were closely connected with their family or friends. Other
influential factors included on their age, health condition and driving ability. External factors, which
restricted mobility, did affected social interactions in the public sphere.
Issues on accessibility / mobility affected the active lifestyle of older people (Fobker and Grotz,
2006). In categorising those people further into age group and gender difference, Gagliardi et al (2007)
found that healthy younger men who drive involved themselves with sports activities and hobbies, while
social activities involved more women who used public transport. Those with low physical function and
women more frequently performed home activities. Active participations of older people in the
planning and design team that involved pedestrian environment could increase accessibility and safety
as emphasised by Stahl et al (2008) because small details such as separation of pedestrians / cyclists,
curb levels, even surfaces, etc were important considerations in relation to the larger infrastructure. To
aid the older and disabled people with mobility problems Kayama and Yairi (2007) recently has
developed the Robotic Communication Terminals (RCT), w h i c h included the Intelligent City
Walker (ICW) as one of the components. Based on the commercial electric scooter, the ICW was
equipped with variable sensors and interfaces, which could avoid obstacles semi-autonomously. While
overcoming barriers would seemed to increase mobility, however, Kaiser (2009) cautioned that those
were not guaranteed as more emphasis were needed in relation to emotional, motivational and social
aspects of being mobile, which required inputs from social sciences like gerontological psychology,
sociology, political science and even education.
In relation to issues on the facilities for older people, Sugiyama and Thompson (2005) found the
highly significant correlations between environmental support and participants QOL. In their later
studies, (Sugiyama and Thompson, 2007a) they found that neighbourhood environments contributed both
to better health for the older people by the provision of opportunities to be active and through the
provision of places for interactions. Valdemarsson et al (2005) found that public facilities were very
important places visited by the older people. However, they noted that more problems were perceived
along the walking routes in the public outdoor environment than in the public facilities per se.
Health issues of older people involved aspects of emotions, mortality, pollution, and vitamin D
deficiencies. In relation to general health, findings have revealed the correlation between outdoor
temperature and blood pressure (Alprovitch et al,2009), better health for those spending at least
20min day in moderate walking (Aoyagi and Shephard, 2009), active outdoor activity to be encouraged to
those with mild to moderate dementia (Blackman et al, 2007), dimensions of outdoor physical
environment which may support or challenge older peoples health - cleanliness; peacefulness; exercise
facilitation; social interaction facilitation; and emotional boost (Day, 2008), maintaining outdoor activity
as an effective measure in extending the period of good quality living (Duggan et al, 2007), nature and
outdoor environments provided individuals with dementia greater enjoyment in life, lower stress levels,
and positive changes to physical well-being (Rodiek and Schwarz, 2008), culture as a therapeutic resource
in caring for people with dementia and for other older adults (Day and Cohen, 2000).
In relation to emotions, Matsouka et al (2005) found correlations between those exercising three
times per week with more positive moods. Similarly, Schwartz and Campagna (2008) found active
outdoor leisure participations increased their quality of life and their ability to maintain physically active.
In relation to mortality, Inoue et al (2006) investigated whether the absence of outdoor activities is
associated with an increased risk of mortality among elderly people living at home. They suggested that
the assessment of outdoor-activity levels can help identify elderly individuals with greater mortality risk
In relation to outdoor air pollution, Alvaeret al (2007) statistically found significant inverse
association between indicators of air pollution and total body Bone Mineral Density (BMD). In another
study, Forbes et al (2009) measured the association between chronic exposure to outdoor air pollutants
and adult lung function. They found that the effects were most marked in men, older adults and ex-
smokers. Meanwhile, Meng, et. al. (2007) found that heavy traffic and high air pollution levels near
residences were associated with poorly controlled asthma.
Related to vitamin D deficiencies, were those who were wrongly advised about save sun exposure due
to fear of skin cancer (Hedges and Scriven, 2008). Birrel and Francis (2008) had stressed that exercise
and vitamin D were both important for musculoskeletal health. However, Boaert et al (2008) found
that Vitamin D deficiency was widespread and severe in elderly men, especially those living in
institutions. Similarly, Kung and Lee (2006) revealed many avoided the sun despite knowing about the
role of sunlight in vitamin D production.
Outdoor Safety issues included outdoor accidents, falls, pedestrians and perception. In a more recent
study on outdoor accidents upon older people, Acimis et al (2009) found that 61.5% were related to fall
and as such fall-induced injuries seemed to be a major problem. Keegan, et. al. (2006) revealed that the
falls were frequently attributable to modifiable environmental factors such as uneven surfaces and
tripping or slipping on objects, and usually occurred on sidewalks, curbs, and streets. In relation to
pedestrian safety, Wennberg et al (2009) concurred that orderliness-related issues (e.g. cyclists in
pedestrian areas, lighting, and litter / graffiti) were important considerations regardless of the age group,
but argued that physical barriers were more important for the oldest old (80+) and for older people with
functional limitations or mobility devices. As such, they suggested that it is important to study
subgroups, not older people as one group, in the analysis of accessibility/usability of outdoor
environments. In relation to perception on safety, Rantakokko, et. al. (2009) found that the fear of
moving outdoors is common in older adults and increased risk of developing self-reported difficulties in
walking 0.5 km and 2 km. Wijlhuizen et al (2007) tested the assumption that the level of outdoor
physical activity mediates the relationship between fear of falling and actual outdoor falls. They found
that the fear of falling was not associated with outdoor falls, but it was after taking the level of physical
activity into account.
In relation to issues on Quality of Life (QoL) of older people, Sugiyama and Ward (2009) argued
about the lack of knowledge in relation to the attributes of the neighborhood open space (NOS) which
were relevant to QoL in late life. They explored about the aspects of NOS which were associated with
health, life satisfaction, and outdoor activity (walking) for older people. They found correlations in
pleasantness, safety and nearness of open spaces with QoL whereas the quality of paths to open spaces
was associated with walking behaviour.
Suggestions for future researches included on the conceptual frameworks and an audit tool. Sugiyama
and Thompson (2007b) introduced three ways of conceptualising environmental support focusing on the
following: personally meaningful outdoor activities, environmental attributes found relevant to people's
activities, and unmet needs for daily activities. Marcus (2007) had proposed The Alzheimer's Garden
Audit Tool (AGAT), which provided a relatively simple evaluative framework for assessing whether a
garden incorporates those design elements, and qualities that are necessary for a successful dementia
care garden.
In sum, the literature reviewed had revealed findings about the role and benefits of the outdoor
environment upon the older people, which necessitated their active participation outdoors. Included also
were issues that required interventions in the creation of a much more supportive and conducive outdoor
environments so that a much better quality of life could be attained by them. Those issues identified
formed the basis in the data collection for this study.
3. Research Design
Based on a pilot study on inclusive environment both indoor and outdoor - amongst the aged in
Malaysia, this paper focused only on the outdoor environment aspect, to suit with the theme of this
conference.
3.1. Strategy
The research design for this study was based on Descombes (2001) suggestion, whereby any
research should be strategised with one out of the five options surveys, case studies, experiments, action
research and ethnography, while the methodologies for the data collection should incorporate at least
three methods for triangulation out of the four options questionnaires, interviews, observations, and
documents. This section is divided into two main parts. The first part explained about the strategy chosen
surveys, which incorporated also on the reasons for the scope of study upon the subjects chosen.
3.2. Methodology
The methodology involved two phases preliminary study and main study, which also incorporated
methods for the triangulation adopted for the data collection personal observations, focused structured
interview and questionnaires.
3.2.1. Preliminary Study

The preliminary study involved personal observations and photographic documentation on outdoor
facilities and provisions for the aged around the city of Kuala Lumpur. Those formed the basis in the
preliminary questionnaires used during the focused structured interview.
3.2.2. Procedure
Permission was first obtained to conduct the focused structured interview upon 14 members of the
Kelab Warga Emas Shah Alam (Elderly Club, Shah Alam) who volunteered to participate after their
week-end session of Tai-Chi at the clubs premise in the Shah Alam City, located about 30km from the
capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
The purpose of the focused interview was to assess the first draft of questionnaires (1DQ) to be used
during the main study phase. The questionnaires adapted from a study done by the IDGO Consortium,
UK (Newton et al, 2007) and revised to suit local conditions. Structure of the questionnaires was divided
into three parts. The first part involved the demographic data of respondents. Respondents were
subsequently asked about their feelings, perceptions, preferences and actions about the facilities and
services provided pertaining to the Outdoor Environment in the second part, and the Indoor Environment
in the final part.
The initial bi-lingual (Bahasa Malaysia and English Language) questionnaire drafted was very open-
ended. This involved slide presentations and discussions pertaining to the questionnaire drafted. The two-
hour session concluded that the questionnaire be redesigned in a manner that respondents do not have to
indulge too long in answering the questionnaires, as thoughts and lengthy sentences were involved.
Considering their older age, the open-ended questionnaires have caused unnecessary strains to them. The
draft was then modified and a more objective-type of questionnaire was adopted.
3.2.3. Main Study

The questionnaire was the main method used for the data collection. This was complimented by site
visits and interviews with the management of the institutions. Respondents identified were older people
above the age of sixty years old, who are either staying in institutions - both, government-funded or
managed by Non-Government Organisation (NGO), or staying in their own homes by themselves or
together with their children or relatives.
3.2.4. Manner Conducted

Permission was first obtained from the necessary authorities before visits were made to the various
places identified. Where this concerns government-funded institutions, approval was first granted from
Malaysias Welfare Department - the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Malaysia. The initial intention was
to conduct the questionnaire at the institution in Kuala Lumpur. However, during the data collection
stage, that institution was undergoing a major renovation with the residents being temporarily housed in
neighbouring state branches the Rumah Seri Kenangan, Seremban in the state of Negri Sembilan, and
Rumah Seri Kenangan, Cheng in the state of Malacca. Permission was then obtained from those places.
Both those places were visited primarily due to the uniqueness of the sites which might provide richer
data. The institution in Seremban is on a hilly sloping site unlike the flat site in Malacca.
In relation to institutions managed by the NGOs, correspondences for permission involved ten
organisations in the Klang Valley. However, only two of those organisations replied positively, namely,
the Family Health Care Nursing Home in Petaling Jaya and Yayasan Al-Jenderami in Dengkel. Again, the
uniqueness of both those institutions was observed. The institution in Petaling Jaya is a converted double-
storey bungalow, typical of such establishments in the city. Meanwhile, the institution in Dengkel, located
in the suburbs, is a mini complex (small village) with a focus on the teachings of Islam for the older able
females only.
Apart from the institution in Malacca (due to the distance), all the other institutions involved two
visits. The first visit was a familiarisation visit to identify facilities and services provided at the various
institutions. The management was interviewed about the setup of the institution. Photographs of the
facilities provided were taken, and data concerning the temperature, lighting and noise levels of the
accommodation unit were recorded.This helped to modify and fine-tune the questionnaires for the
specific institutions accordingly, to be conducted in the second visit.
The Kelab Warga Emas in Shah Alam, Selangors city older peoples club gave full co-operation in
our effort to obtain data from the older people staying in their own homes. Permission was granted to
conduct the questionnaires amongst the attendees prior to the commencement of their Annual General
Meeting, and during a free Medical Check-up session, a week that followed.
The first questionnaires conducted involved respondents in Seremban (SN) with one of the researchers,
initially alone. Held in a multi-purpose room, the purpose and objectives of the questionnaires were first
briefed to the respondents. Slide presentations accompanied the questionnaires progressively, with some
further explanations being emphasized. However, progress was slow from the outset as some respondents
were either with sight or hearing deficiencies, while others could not write. Fortunately, three nurse
trainee student who were in the vicinity volunteered and aided the respondents in filling the
questionnaires. The overall session took almost two hours to complete.
Following the experience in Seremban, photographs of the slides were subsequently included in the
further revised questionnaires for the benefit of future respondents with sight deficiencies in viewing the
slide presentations. Four Architecture students were later briefed about the questionnaires and assisted
respondents on a one-to-one basis in subsequent visits to Petaling Jaya (PJ) and Malacca (MA).
Being a female only institution and amidst their tight teaching schedule at Dengkel (DL), a
compromise was reached that they conduct the questionnaires themselves as the respondents were able
persons and the improved questionnaires were self-explanatory with photographic illustrations. The
management was further briefed about the questionnaires in anticipation of potential queries from the
respondents. The filled questionnaires were collected at a later date.
It should be noted that the same finalized format of the self-explanatory questionnaires used at
Dengkel was similarly distributed to members of the Kelab Warga Emas in Shah Alam (SA) during their
Annual General Meeting, and free Medical Check-up sessions a week later.
4. Findings And Discussions
Overall, the questionnaires apart from the subjects demographic data consisted forty-two items in five
separate sections. The first section categorized as General consisted nine items. The second section
categorized as Facilities / Services were subdivided further into five subsections consisted twenty-five
items, namely Road Crossing (eight items), Floor / Finishes ( three items), Street Furniture (five
items), and Obstructions (four items). The third section categorized as Environmental Support (four
items). The fourth section categorized as Functional Capability (three items) and the final section
Environmental Attributes (four items).
4.1. Subjects Demographic Data
Based on the nine items posed, seven items recorded differences in the majority between subjects
accommodated in private houses (PH) and residential institutions (RI). Majority of PH were males, below
65 years old, have stayed more than ten years in their houses, of secondary education level, were
employed in the public sector, drove their own vehicle, and were healthy in the previous thirty days.
Majority of RI were females, above 65 years old, have stayed in their institution for the duration of less
than five years, of primary education level, chauffeur-driven, and were unwell for more than one day in
the previous thirty days.
Only the remaining two items recorded similarity in majority of PH and RI. Those were in relation to
their Malay ethnicity and without visual or hearing impairments as shown in Table 1. Even though the
demographic data were disproportionately distributed in seven out of the nine items between PH and RI,
the data could be used as two sets of different samples for comparison purposes in the analysis. Perhaps
future research, though of great challenge should strive to base on subjects of more proportionately
distributed in those nine items.
Table 1. Summary of Findings Subjects Demographic Data (Note: Percentages denotes majority for a particular subject group)
Private Residents Institutions (RI)

Living Arrangements House (PH) Private Establishment (PrE) Public Establishment (PuE)
SA (n=89) DL (n=24) PJ (n=5 ) MA (n=6) SN (n=9)
Converted 2
Self-contained Dorm Dorm
Accommodation Type Terrace House storey
Detached (Flat site) (Hilly site)
Bungalow
a) Gender
Male 84% 50% 63%
Female 100% 60% 50%
b) Age (years old)
60-65 68% 50%
66-70 50%
> 75 80% 50%
c) Ethnicity
Malay 97% 100% 83% 50%
Chinese 60%
d) Duration of stay (years)
<1 50% 67%
15 80% 50% 57%
> 10 81%
e) Education
Primary 68% 40% 100% 63%
Secondary 49%
Tertiary 40%
f) Previous Occupation
Self-employed 65% 50% 38%
Public 55% 75% 38%
g) Transportation
Self-drive 87%
h)Impairments
Other than visual / hearing 43% 50%
None 64% 100% 40%
i) Number of days unwell for the past 30
72%
days
0 42% 33%
12 53% 33%
35 67%
4.1.1. Section 1: General

Majority of respondents were in agreement on four of the items appreciating nature as benefits of
going outdoors, parks as most favourite outdoor place, heavy traffic made outdoor activities difficult and
spending once a week frequenting the outdoor as shown in Table 2.1. The implications from those
findings suggest that more nature and parks to be provided. The road traffic system needs to be improved
to reduce traffic flow.
Majority of respondents gave mixed reactions on the other two items - problems related in going
outdoors, and outdoor areas no longer visited. The implications from those findings suggest for the
intensification in provisions for safety, accessibility and public amenities especially at fiesta sites,
shopping and sports areas.
Table 2.1. Summary of Findings General (6 items) (Note: Percentages denotes majority for a particular subject group)

Living Arrangements House (PH) Private Establishment (PrE) Public Establishment
Converted 2
Terrace Self-contained Dorm Dorm
Accommodation Type storey
House Detached (Flat site) (Hilly site)
Bungalow
a) Benefits of going outdoors

Appreciate nature 37% 44% 38% 43%
Relax the mind 38%
Exercise / recreation. 30%
b) Problems related in going outdoors
Own safety 35% 40%
Lack in public amenities 36%
No companion 43%
None n.a.
c) Favourite outdoor places
Parks 36% 29% 43%
Fiesta 29%
Shopping 55% 29%
Sports 32%
d) Outdoor areas no longer visited
Fiesta 43% 35% 35%
Shopping 33% 43%
Sports 33%
e) Outdoor environment that makes activities
diffi l
Not walking distance 31%
Lack in public amenities 31%
Heavy traffic 31% 31% 50%
Weather 43% 33%

f) Frequencies in going outdoors
Everyday 36% 33%
1 day per week 50% 38%
1 day per month 74%
4.1.2. Section 2: Facilities / Services Road Crossing

Majority of respondents were in agreement on seven of the items preferred the use of the road when
crossing, lack in provisions of dropped curbs, and did not have any problems with the five remaining
items - the road crossing signboards provided, road-crossing light control placement, road-crossing light
with timer, waiting time, road crossing time as shown in Table 2.2.1. The implications from those
findings suggest for more provisions of dropped curbs.
Majority of respondents gave mixed reactions on the item on intimidation by stopped motorists on
pedestrian crossings. The implications from those finding suggest for more strict enforcement upon
errant motorists who crossed into the pedestrian crossing lane.
Table 2.2.1. Summary of Findings Facilities / Services Road Crossing (8 items) (Note: Percentages denotes majority for
particular subject group)

Living Arrangements House (PH) Private Establishment (PrE) Public Establishment
Terrace Self-contained Converted 2 Dorm Dorm
Accommodation Type
House Detached storey (Flat site) (Hilly site)
a) Crossing manner
On the road 65% 70% 60% 83%
Overhead bridge 67%
Tunnel
b) Road crossing signboards provided
No problem 92% 52% 50% 75%
Problematic 50%
Immaterial
c) Road-crossing light control placement
No problem 57% 48% 67% 92%
Problematic 50%
Immaterial 48%
d) Road-crossing light with timer
No problem 57% 100% 33% 67%
Problematic 33%
Immaterial 58% 33%
e) Waiting time
Reasonable 59% 100% 50% 67%
Too long
Immaterial 77%
f) Road crossing time
Enough 62% 67% 83%

Too short 100%
Immaterial 58%
g) Intimmidation by stopped motorists on
pedestrian crossings
Intimidating 50% 80%
Not intimidating 55% 50%
Immaterial 63%
h) Provision of dropped curb
Required 63% 69% 80% 50%
Not Required 50%
Immaterial 50%
x Floor / Finishes
Majority of respondents were in agreement on all the three items poised the choice for steps as the
preference taken to access between different levels, necessity for tactile indicators, and preference
between platform and Light Rail Transport (LRT) levels to be of same level as shown in Table 2.2.2.The
implications from those finding suggest for more provision of tactile indicators along pathway and safety
factors against trips at steps and to ensure the same level between floor of platform and LRT.
Table 2.2.2. Summary of Findings Facilities / Services Floor / Finishes (3 iems)(Note: Percentages denotes majority for
Residents Institutions (RI)

Private
Public Establishment
Living Arrangements House (PH) Private Establishment (PrE)
(PuE)
Converted 2
Bungalow
a) Preference taken between different levels
Steps 46% 60% 50%

Ramps 55%
Immaterial 63%
b) Necessity for tactile indicators
Required 76% 80% 75% 50% 55%

Not Required
Immaterial
c) Preference between platform and LRT levels

Same level 62% 74% 75% 91%
Different level 67%
Immaterial
x Street Furniture
Majority of respondents were in agreement on all the five items poised, that is, in favour of the
provisions of - five-foot way, covered path, seats, shelter, and trees as shown in Table 2.2.3.
Table 2.2.3. Summary of Findings Facilities / Services Street Furnitures (5items) (Note: Percentages denotes majority for

House (PH) Private Establishment (PrE) Public Establishment
Living Arrangements
(PuE)
Terrace Self-contained Converted 2 Dorm Dorm
Accommodation Type House
Detached storey (Flat site) (Hilly site)
Bungalow
a) Provision of five-foot way
Required 90% 86% 60% 83% 91%
Not required
Immaterial
b) Provision of covered path
Required 91% 81% 100% 83% 100%
Not required
Immaterial
c) Provision of seats
Required 96% 95% 50% 83% 91%
Not required 50%
Immaterial
d) Provision of shelter
Required 99% 90% 75% 83% 100%
Not required
Immaterial
e) Provision of trees
Required 96% 76% 50% 83% 82%
Not required 50%
Immaterial
x Activities
Majority of respondents were in agreement on four items poised not comfortable in open-air
crowded environment (open-air), and encouraged street performers, sellers and water element as features
as shown in Table 2.2.4. The implications from those finding suggest improvement on the item open-air
in crowded environment, while increasing provisions on the remaining items below.
Table 2.2.4. Summary of Findings Facilities / Services Activities (5 items) (Note: Percentages denotes majority for particular
subject group)

Private
(PuE)
Converted 2
Bungalow
2.4 Activities
a) In crowded environment (open-air)
Comfortable
Not comfortable 59% 90% 100% 50% 70%
Immaterial
b) In crowded environment (covered)
Comfortable 52% 75% 50% 36%
Not comfortable 47% 50% 36%
Immaterial
c) Performers on the street
Encouraged 45% 83% 45%
Not encouraged 50%
Immaterial 81%
d) Sellers on the street
Encouraged 46% 67% 50%
Not encouraged 67% 50%
Immaterial 52%
e) Water element as feature
Encouraged 78% 91% 83% 80%
Not encouraged 50%
Immaterial
x Obstructions
Majority of respondents were in agreement on the three items poised did not considered as
obstruction for tree trunk on pavement and temporarily placed signage on pavement, permanent features
on pavement considered as obstruction as shown in Table 2.2.5. The implications from those finding
suggest pavements should be free from all permanent obstructions. Majority of respondents gave mixed
reactions on the item on swivel-type passenger control should be replaced with automatic system for
access. The implications from those finding suggest improvement on the item open-air in crowded
environment, while increasing provisions on the remaining items above The implications from those
finding suggest to replace swivel-type passenger access with other automated system.
Table 2.2.5. Summary of Findings Facilities / Services Obstructions (4 items) ( Note: Percentages denotes majority for particular
subject group)

House (PH)
Private Establishment (PrE) Public Establishment
Living Arrangements
(PuE)
Self-contained Converted 2 Dorm Dorm

Accommodation Type Terrace House
Detached storey Bungalow (Flat site) (Hilly site)
a) Tree trunk on pavement
Obstructing 50%
Not obstructing 64% 50% 50%
Immaterial 77% 64%
b) Signage temporarily placed on pavement
Obstructing 75% 80%
Not obstructing 37% 55% 50%
Immaterial
c) Permanent features on pavement
Obstructing 40% 50% 50%
Not obstructing 50% 50%
Immaterial 70%
d) Passenger control (swivel-type)
Comfortable 50% 33%
Not comfortable 38% 100% 33% 50%
Immaterial 33%
4.1.3. Section 3: Environmental Support

Except for the PJ residents who were in the oldest category, majority of respondents were in agreement
on all the four items poised that is, had no problems - in reaching places, to exercise, play games and in
going for a walk. While the above items were non-issues for the majority, however those remained issues
for the much older residents in PJ as shown in Table 2.3. As such, ample provisions should be considered
in all the items above for those categories of older people.
Table 2.3. Summary of Findings Environmental Support (4 items) (Note: Percentages denotes majority for particular subject
group)

Private
(PuE)
Self-contained Converted 2 Dorm Dorm
Accommodation Type Terrace House
a) Reaching places
Very Easy 50%

Easy 56% 53% 60%
Not easy 100% 50%
b) To exercise
Very Easy
Easy 69% 60% 50% 50%
Not easy 75% 50%
c) To play games
Very Easy 33%

Easy 67% 33% 70%
Not easy 89% 75% 33%
d) Going for a walk
Very Easy 67%

Easy 78% 57% 78%
Not easy 75%
4.1.4. Section 4: Functional Capability

Findings were mixed on all the three items poised. In relation to the two items on walking a certain
distance and climbing steps, while it was easy for PH, it was otherwise for the PrE. For the item on using
the public transport, except for PJ, majority of respondents were in agreement that it was easy for them as
shown in Table 2.4. The implications from those finding suggest the provisions of more seats and ramps
along pathways.
Table 2.4. Summary of Findings Functional Capability (3 items) (Note: Percentages denotes majority for particular subject group)
Living Arrangements Private Residents Institutions (RI)

House (PH) Private Establishment (PrE) Public Establishment
(PuE)
Accommodation Type Terrace House Self-contained Converted 2 Dorm Dorm
a) Walking a certain dstance
Very Easy 50%
Easy 69% 50%
Not easy 69% 100%
b) Climbing steps
Very Easy
Easy 57% 60%
Not easy 94% 100% 67%
c) Using public transport
Very Easy 50%
Easy 58% 53% 40%
Not easy 100% 40%
4.1.5. Section 5: Environmental Attributes

While majority of the responses were in agreement in the two items on distance to nearby park and
frequencies in using the park - majority were within the distance of two km and frequent the park at least
once per week respectively, majority differed in the remaining two items. In relation to the item on
transport used to parks, majority of PrE walked, PH and DL used own transport, while PJ used public
transport. In relation to open space attributes, while majority of PH chose nearest walking distance to park
as their most favourite item, RI and MA were for seats enroute, PJ for things to watch and SN for seats in
parks as shown in Table 2.5. The implications from those finding suggest the locations of more parks to
be within walking distance, provisions of more seats and ramps along pathways.
Table 2.5. Summary of Findings Environmental Attributes (4 items) (Note: Percentages denotes majority for particular subject
group)

Private
(PuE)
Accommodation Type Terrace House Self-contained Converted 2 Dorm Dorm
5.1 Open space attributes
Most favourite
Walking distance to parks 15%
Seats en route 35% 50%
Things to watch 29%
Seats in parks 25%
5.2 Usage of nearby park
a) Distance to nearby park (km)
< 1 km 44% 33% 100%
1 2 km 33% 100%
> 2 km 64% 33%
b) Transport used to parks
Walking 100% 80%
Own transport 58% 55%
Public transport 67%
c) Frequencies of visits to the park
Everyday 50%
1 / week 44% 67% 70%
> 1/ week 62%
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
In relation to the outdoor environment, several commonalities and differences were observed between
residents and the general public. Peculiarities mainly involved the residents in institutions. Peculiarities
and differences in opinions about the facilities and provisions provided amongst the older people, seemed
to be influenced by their age, location and type of the institutions they were accommodated.
This study revealed despite existing facilities and provisions of the outdoor environment for the aged,
there are still rooms for improvements by the local authorities in ensuring the outdoor environment to be
totally barrier-free and more inclusive, hence conducive enough not only for the older people but also for
those in the oldest old category.
Recommendations for improvement include the following:-
x Provision of more nature and parks to be within walking distance
x Improvement to road traffic system to reduce heavy traffic flow.
x Intensification in provisions for safety, accessibility and public amenities especially at fiesta sites,
shopping and sports areas.
x More provisions of dropped curbs, tactile indicators along pathway and safety factors against trips at
steps.
x Stricter enforcement upon errant motorists who crossed into the pedestrian crossing lane f) Ensure the
same level between floor of platform and LRT
x More provisions of five-foot way, covered path, seats, shelter, trees.
x Improvement on comfort in open-air crowded environment,
x Encouraged more street performers, sellers and water element as features. j) Pavements should be free
from all permanent obstructions.
x Replace swivel-type passenger access with other automated system.
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Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 49 (2012) 127 146

1nCEBS 2009 Shah Alam

1st National Conference on Environment-Behaviour Studies, Faculty of Architecture,

Our Golden Citizens with Golden Facilities?

3.2.1. Preliminary Study

3.2.3. Main Study

3.2.4. Manner Conducted

4. Findings And Discussions

4.1. Subjects Demographic Data

Private Residents Institutions (RI)

4.1.1. Section 1: General

Private Residents Institutions (RI)

SA (n=89) DL (n=24) PJ (n=5 ) MA (n=6) SN (n=9)

a) Benefits of going outdoors

Weather 43% 33%

4.1.2. Section 2: Facilities / Services Road Crossing

Private Residents Institutions (RI)

Enough 62% 67% 83%

Residents Institutions (RI)

Steps 46% 60% 50%

Required 76% 80% 75% 50% 55%

c) Preference between platform and LRT levels

Private Residents Institutions (RI)

Residents Institutions (RI)

Private Residents Institutions (RI)

Self-contained Converted 2 Dorm Dorm

Not obstructing 64% 50% 50%

Immaterial 77% 64%

b) Signage temporarily placed on pavement

Obstructing 75% 80%

Not obstructing 37% 55% 50%

c) Permanent features on pavement

Obstructing 40% 50% 50%

Not obstructing 50% 50%

d) Passenger control (swivel-type)

Comfortable 50% 33%

Not comfortable 38% 100% 33% 50%

4.1.3. Section 3: Environmental Support

Residents Institutions (RI)

Very Easy 50%

Very Easy 33%

Very Easy 67%

4.1.4. Section 4: Functional Capability

Living Arrangements Private Residents Institutions (RI)

4.1.5. Section 5: Environmental Attributes

Residents Institutions (RI)

5. Conclusion and Recommendations

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