Abstract
The purpose of this study, conducted in two distinctly different locations, is to provide some basic information which might be useful for the creation of optimal living environs through identifying major visiting places preferred by older persons and factors that prevent them from going to such places. The study covered 271 men and women living in the city (aged 69.2±5.3) and 141 men and women living in the suburbs (aged 69.1±5.8). It was carried out by mailing questionnaires to those who had expressed their willingness to cooperate with us. The results indicated that stated preference (wish) and realized preference (action) corresponded to each other to a certain extent but at the same time it was noted that while older persons could not go to cultural or recreational facilities as frequently as they wanted, they were compelled to visit hospital or go to the bank and the post office quite often. Complaints about sidewalks were a preventing factor common to the two locations but complaints about peripheral environments rated high in the city those about distance rated high in the suburbs. Thus, differences in preventing factors attributable to local features were recognized.
