The Effects of Healthy Built Environments on Perceived Quality of Life

Abstract

The environment built around us by political and municipal governing bodies plays an important role in the general populations’ accessibility to resources needed for life satisfaction. By having a greater access to health knowledge, important amenities, and engagement in physical activity, our overall health and well-being can be improved. The goal of this study is to examine the walkability and accessibility within neighbourhoods and their effects on perceived quality of life in participants residing in Edmonton, Alberta. This research will further build on previous data obtained demonstrating direct linkage between neighbourhood walkability and increased health benefits. In addition, by improving overall health, communities can further increase the life satisfaction of its inhabitants through socio-spatial analysis. A rating calculated by the Walk Score algorithm will be used to identify the walkability of Edmonton neighbourhoods. This information will then be compared to secondary data obtained through a survey completed by the City of Edmonton (Edmontonians’ Perception Survey – Quality of Life Survey) to determine if the increased walkability within a neighbourhood has an effect on the participants’ perceived quality of life.

Discipline: Mathematics

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Karen Buro