Contextual mobility in aging: walking modifications and environmental interactions (INTERACT)

Contextual mobility refers to the ability to move within and between environments, shaped by physical, social, and environmental factors. Successful walking in diverse environments requires adapting gait to changing conditions like traffic, weather, lighting and terrain. As people age, physical and sensory declines may hinder their ability to adapt to environmental challenges, increasing the need for more noticeable behavioral walking modifications such as walking slower, taking breaks, or using assistive devices.

The INTERACT study explores contextual mobility in older adults, focusing on how individuals adapt their walking in outdoor environments across seasons. Using a novel approach that combines walk-along interviews with wearable sensor data, the study aims to identify self-reported and objectively measured walking modification strategies, analyze their interrelations, and examine how environmental features influence these adaptations.

The study will recruit 50 participants aged 70 and over. Walk-along interviews will be conducted twice, in summer/autumn and winter to detect seasonal changes. Data collection starts in 2026. 

By highlighting the role of environmental context in mobility, the study supports the development of age-friendly communities and contributes to the broader goals of active and equitable aging.

Funding
Juho Vainio Foundation (2026–2028)

Research group
Principal investigator
Merja Rantakokko, Associate professor, Faculty of sport and health sciences and gerontology research center, University of Jyväskylä and Wellbeing services county of Central Finland

Pirjo Vuoskoski, Senior lecturer, Faculty of sport and health sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Neil Cronin, Professor, Faculty of sport and health sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Timo Hinrichs, Professor, Faculty of sport and health sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Antti Löppönen, Post doctoral researcher, Faculty of sport and health sciences and gerontology research center, University of Jyväskylä
Kirsi Keskinen, Post doctoral researcher, Faculty of sport and health sciences and gerontology research center, University of Jyväskylä
Katja Lindeman, Post doctoral researcher, Faculty of sport and health sciences and gerontology research center, University of Jyväskylä
Kaisa Jokinen, Doctoral researcher, Faculty of sport and health sciences and gerontology research center, University of Jyväskylä
Heli Peltomaa, Doctoral researcher, Faculty of sport and health sciences and gerontology research center, University of Jyväskylä
Eveliina Rauhansalo, Doctoral researcher, Faculty of sport and health sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Collaborators
Eeva Aartolahti, Institute of Rehabilitation, JAMK University of Applied Sciences
Hanna Pajulammi, Chief of geriatrics, Wellbeing services county of Central Finland
Erja Portegjis, Associate professor, Gröningenin yliopisto, Alankomaat
Christina Röcke, Co-Director & Senior Researcher, Scientific Managing Director, UZH Healthy Longevity Center and Center for Gerontology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland