Spatial Disparities of Walking Accessibility to Key Facilities for the Prevention of Social Isolation and Loneliness: A Case Study in Himeji City, Japan

ABSTRACT

Social isolation and loneliness have emerged as urgent urban challenges, increasing interest in spatial prescriptions as forms of primordial and primary prevention. Although previous studies have identified predictors of these outcomes (e.g., personal attributes, personal livelihoods, and the built environment), disparities in walking accessibility to key facilities remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to clarify the spatial disparities in walking accessibility to facilities associated with social isolation and loneliness, focusing on high‐risk population subgroups. The analysis incorporated the metabolic conversion distance adjusted for topography, age, and sex from residences to key facilities using GIS network analysis in Himeji City, Japan. The results indicated that walking accessibility assessments based solely on actual distance tended to overestimate actual walking accessibility compared with those based on metabolic conversion distance, which accounted for topography, age, and sex. Urban areas generally provide a wider range of accessible key facilities than rural areas, particularly parks and community centers, which are available to many individuals. For these population subgroups, spatial prescriptions focused on primordial and primary prevention may be effective. These may include expanding or relocating key facilities, enhancing resident mobility, improving the accessibility and use of existing services, and adopting long‐term strategic approaches.