Vehicle-assissted access to public nature trail: a needs assessment for older adult residents of Humboldt County

The older adult population has the highest rates of disability and depression. Access and ability to engage in outdoor activity diminishes as we age. The Biophillia Hypothesis states that there are cognitive and emotional benefits of exposure to natural environments. The Biophillia Hypothesis supports implementation of programs that increase exposure to natural environments to increase psychological wellbeing. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate interest in a proposed vehicle-assisted nature program among disabled and older adult residents in Humboldt County. A 9-item survey, including quantitative and qualitative response types, was developed for this study. In addition, participants reported demographic and life history information in both quantitative and narrative formats. Statistical and qualitative data analysis addressed factors, including age and type of disability, that may assist in predicting interest or ability to participate in assisted nature trail access programs. One item asked whether the respondent would participate in a vehicle assisted nature outing program if the program existed. I proposed that if 30 percent or more of a sample of at least 100 participants answers yes to that question that it would constitute evidence to recommend the implementation and evaluation of the proposed program in the future. In addition to criterion-based needs assessment, data was collected to assess other factors that may predict an individual's likelihood to participate, namely, age, physical perceived ability level, perceived obstacles, and past and present outdoor activity level. Individuals participating in this study reported interest and ability to participate. Past and present outdoor activity level did not correlate with interest in the program. Age was not correlated with interest in this study. These results may have implications for assessing the potential value of public spending to increase nature access for disabled and older adult citizens.