Niraj B. Badami

Bio: Niraj B. Badami is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Poison control. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 7 citations.

Population ageing and rural road accidents: Analysis of accident severity in traffic crashes with older pedestrians on Spanish crosstown roads

Abstract: The study of the relations of dependence between population ageing and road safety are becoming increasingly important with the ageing of the population in industrialised nations, which will imply a substantial increase in the number of older drivers and also in older pedestrians and cyclists. While there is extensive literature on the decline of driving and pedestrian skills in the elderly, few studies focus on the impact of age on accident severity according to the type of road. This approach has mainly been used for high-capacity routes, without considering rural roads. Rural roads are also associated with small towns, which have a higher percentage of elderly people who are more dependent on driving due to the absence or limitations of urban public transportation. In recent years Spain has seen a sharp rise in traffic accidents, especially in rural crosstown roads, and population ageing should be analysed as a potential risk factor. This paper contributes to the limited existing literature on rural road safety by applying a logistic regression model to the accidents on Spanish crosstown roads involving one vehicle and one elderly pedestrian in the period 2006–2015. The objective of the study is to analyse the conditional probability of a fatal outcome in the case of a crash resulting in at least one severe injury. On crosstown roads, territorial indicators associated to pedestrian mobility such as the physical severance index are revealed as interesting new variables to be considered in future research.

Neighbourhood walkability: Elderly's priorities

Abstract: The benefits of mobility in later life and active ageing have been widely documented and evidenced. Despite its clear benefits, physical activity levels among older people fall short of recommended levels. Older people can have feelings of fear when walking in the outdoor environment. In order to facilitate mobility in later life, it is important that accessible, clearly structured and predictable urban environments are provided. This study wants to understand which aspects and measures the elderly consider more important in order to encourage and improve neighbourhood walkability, considering the influence of age-related declines and experience as road users. A survey was developed in the urban area of Catania (Italy). The total sample comprised 645 participants (355 men and 290 women) aged over 70. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was developed to analyse the data. Results show that elderly pedestrians with minor age-related declines give stronger importance to the walkability along the road, but also focus on improper or aggressive driving behaviours. Pedestrians with major age-related declines give instead more importance to the level of comfort and safety when they cross the road. The driving experience was found to have little influence on elderly priorities for neighbourhood walkability.

Why Are Older Adults More at Risk as Pedestrians? A Systematic Review.

Abstract: Objective To explore factors that could explain why older adults are more at risk at the roadside. Background The physical and psychological health benefits of walking have been well-established, leading to the widespread promotion of walking amongst older adults. However, walking can result in an increased risk of injury as a pedestrian at the roadside, which is a greater risk for older adults who are overrepresented in pedestrian casualty figures. Method Relevant databases were searched up to January 2020. All peer-reviewed journals that presented data on healthy older adults and some aspect of road crossing or roadside behavior were included. A total of 142 papers were assessed and 60 met the inclusion criteria. Results Identified papers could be grouped into three areas: crossing at a designated crossing place; crossing with no designated crossing place; perceptions or behaviors. Conclusion Multiple individual (attitudes, perceived behavioral control, walking time, time-to-arrival judgments, waiting endurance, cognitive ability), task (vehicle size, vehicle speed, traffic volume), and environmental (road layout, time of day, weather) constraints influence road crossing in older adulthood. Application Accessibility of designated crossing areas needs to be addressed by ensuring sufficient time to cross and nonrestrictive waiting times. Signalized crossings need to be simplified and visibility increased. Where there is no designated crossing place, a reduction in speed limit alongside the provision of pedestrian islands to provide “pause” places are needed. Educational-based programs may also help ensure safety of older adults where there is no designated crossing place.

Assessing the Strata Housing Attributes for Elderly to Age in Place in Klang Valley

Abstract: The world is ageing and so does Asia countries, which ageing even faster including Malaysia Malaysia is predicted to become an aging nation by the year of 2030 Most of the elderly prefer to age in place Besides, less elderly lives with their children thus placing them in an independent living The death of the spouse could also put the elderly in the same situation Housing is a basic human need It is believed that human must have a home before they can think about anything else Furthermore, housing can be a major indicator of well-being for persons of all ages from all backgrounds including the elderly However, homes sometimes can be a death trap for the elderly They tend to trip, slip and fall in their home as they are becoming frail and fragile as time goes by Meantime, the elderly tends to feel isolated from the community and lead them to lonelinessIn the context of increasing elderly populations, there is concern that issues relating to provide housing attributes that can assist the elderly to age in place With respect to that, this research aims to identify the appropriate housing attributes for the elderly to age in place Together in this research, researcher will be focusing on the apartments and condominiums Through this research, Malaysian Standard MS1184:2004 and Sri Seronok Retirement Village are the benchmark to other 4 case studies within Klang Valley which are occupied by elderly who wish to age in place