Housing, the Neighborhood Environment, and Physical Activity among Older African Americans

Abstract This study examines the association of neighborhood environment, as measured by housing factors, with physical activity among older African Americans. Context is provided on the effects of structural inequality as an inhibitor of health enhancing neighborhood environments. The study population included African Americans participating in the UAB Study of Aging (n=433). Participants demonstrated the ability to walk during a baseline in-home assessment. The strength and independence of housing factors were assessed using neighborhood walking for exercise as the outcome variable. Sociodemographic data, co-morbid medical conditions, and rural/urban residence were included as independent control factors. Homeownership, occupancy, and length of residency maintained positive associations with neighborhood walking independent of control factors. Housing factors appear to be predictive of resident engagement in neighborhood walking. Housing factors, specifically high rates of homeownership, reflect functional and positive neighborhood environments conducive for physical activity. Future interventions seeking to promote health-enhancing behavior should focus on developing housing and built-environment assets within the neighborhood environment

Preparing for a PhD: A Transactive Memory Approach

Integrating theoretical insights from transactive memory theory, the current manuscript describes ways in which individuals may develop a cognitive and behavioral division of labor to mobilize the tasks, expertise and people necessary to successfully gain admission to doctoral programs. We employ this transactive memory framework to organize insights gained from the authors’ experience with and observations of the Annual Conference of The PhD Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing ethnic diversity in corporate boardrooms by diversifying business classrooms in higher education. Implications, recommendations and directions for future research are offered

2007 THE DECISION TO MOVE: AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE GHETTO

The decision to move among African Americans in a poor community encompasses individual, household, and neighborhood characteristics. Previous research focuses on the frequently studied middle class. Meanwhile substantive analyses on African Americans from poor communities remain largely understudied. The current study uses data from a low income African American community to study residential mobility decisions. A systematic, random sample of respondents completed a survey concerning their residential situation. Data were triangulated to add reliability and richness to the findings. The results show that the decision to move is not a function of residential satisfaction, but is influenced by neighborhood and sociodemographic factors. It is suggested that future research focuses on policy intended to increase homeownership and informal social control. Future research should also concentrate on the health consequences associated with movement behavior. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Pag