Tides of Change—Barriers and Facilitators to Beach Accessibility for Older People and People with Disability: An Australian Community Survey

Abstract

The beach is Australia’s most popular recreational destination with participation in beach-based activities associated with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits. Unfortunately, access to beach environments is not possible for many older people and people with a disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators of beach accessibility using a framework that recognises the complex interconnections between blue space, accessibility, physical activity, and health and wellbeing. A 39-item anonymous online cross-sectional survey was developed and administered to explore the perspectives of older people and people with a disability regarding beach accessibility. In total, 350 people completed the survey (69% female, age range 2–90 years (mean = 52)). Disability was reported by 88% of respondents, with 77% requiring a community mobility aid. Two-thirds (68%) of respondents were unable to visit the beach as often as they wanted, with 45% unable to visit at all. The most frequently reported barriers to beach access included difficulty moving on soft sand (87%), no specialised mobility equipment (75%), and inaccessible lead-up pathways (81%). If beach access was improved, respondents reported they would visit the beach more often (85%), for longer (83%), and have an improved experience (91%). The most frequently reported facilitators to beach access were the presence of accessible lead-up pathways (90%), sand walkways (89%), and parking (87%). Older people and people with disability have limited beach access, primarily due to a lack of accessible equipment, excluding them from the wide range of health benefits associated with visiting the beach.