This variable is available only MARS, AACore and LATC and participants self-identifying as Hispanic/Latino of MAP (sMAP). The Study Operations team determined the mPNES did not apply to the living situations of other MAP participants, most of whom live in large retirement communities.

The mPNES (i.e., the modified Perceptions of Neighborhood Environments Scale) total score is the average of all 12 self-report questions about the neighborhood environment including aesthetic quality, social features, physical activity spaces, and food availability. Instructions for the mPNES defined a neighborhood as “the area within about a 20-min walk (or about a mile) from your house.” Participants are asked to respond to each question using a 5-point rating scale. Values are reverse coded as relevant (see table below) so that a higher score indicates higher neighborhood perceptions. The total score ranges from 12 to 60 and is the average sum of the individual items; at least 6 items must be available to calculate this variable.

Participants are asked the following questions:

1. In my neighborhood the buildings and homes are well-maintained.
2. My neighborhood is attractive.
3. It is pleasant to walk in my neighborhood.
4. People around here are willing to help their neighbors.
5. People in my neighborhood generally get along with each other.
6. People in my neighborhood can be trusted.
7. A large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables is available in my neighborhood.
8. There are many opportunities to purchase fast foods in my neighborhood.
9. My neighborhood offers many opportunities to be physically active.
10. Local sports clubs and other facilities in my neighborhood offer many opportunities to get exercise.
11. There is a lot of noise in my neighborhood.
12. My neighborhood has heavy traffic.

Note: In previous research, this subscale metric has been shown to have adequate psychometric properties including a Cronbach's alpha of 0.79.