A Study on Elderly's Going Out Activities and Environment Facilities

This study aims to identify the going out activities conducted by senior residents during their daily lives and how the built environment especially in the high densely settlement of the city center support these activities. The observations were conducted in one high-densely populated neighborhood in Yogyakarta City Center and personal interviews were carried out to 48 elderly who lives in the neighborhood. This study finally clarified that the going out activity of the elderly is basically divided into four types based on the motivation: economy, health, recreation and social. Economic motivation-based activity was learned as the most frequent going out and it employed the shortest distance of travelling range. The spots within a walkable distance inside the neighborhood were relied on by the elderly therefore the sufficient facilities inside the neighborhood should be provided appropriately. As the elderly stayed for long time in the commune as well involved personally in the community, the development or growth of the living environment constitutes the social and physical challenges among themselves.