Neighborhood Attributes and Well-Being Among Older Adults in Urban Areas: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

Abstract

Expanding urbanization rates have engendered increasing research examining linkages between urban environments and older adults’ well-being. This mixed-methods systematic review synthesizes the evidence for the influence of urban neighborhoods’ attributes on older adults’ well-being. We searched for literature published up to December 2020 across six databases and performed quality assessment and thematic analysis. The results, based on 39 identified studies, showed that natural areas in neighborhoods and a sense of community are the attributes most often associated with positive effects on well-being. Transit-related variables, urban furniture, and access to healthcare are also positively related to well-being. Neighborhoods may promote well-being more effectively when these elements are considered. However, almost half of the studies did not include all environmental dimensions simultaneously, and self-reported instruments were largely preferred over more objective assessments of the environment. Future research should thus holistically examine physical, social, and service-related attributes to produce more robust evidence.

Friendly Residential Environments and Subjective Well-Being in Older People with and without Help Needs

“…Recent research places increasing emphasis on creating age-friendly cities and neighborhoods that foster a sense of place [ 66 ]. Although neighborhood conditions and individual functional ability are important [ 67 ], subjective feelings about a neighborhood can be a significant source of satisfaction, independent of objective measures of suitability or safety [ 68 , 69 ]. Given their declining social networks and reduced mobility [ 70 ], the neighborhood context gains importance in meeting older people’s daily needs [ 36 , 68 ].…”

“…Although neighborhood conditions and individual functional ability are important [ 67 ], subjective feelings about a neighborhood can be a significant source of satisfaction, independent of objective measures of suitability or safety [ 68 , 69 ]. Given their declining social networks and reduced mobility [ 70 ], the neighborhood context gains importance in meeting older people’s daily needs [ 36 , 68 ]. The neighborhood can become an important source of social identity [ 71 ], where good social ties with neighbors are valued [ 36 , 72 , 73 ] as they contribute to satisfaction with the neighborhood [ 74 ].…”

“…Accessibility of local services is an important indicator for age-friendly communities [ 68 ]. In such environments, “ageing in place” occurs more easily and to a greater degree than in neighborhoods with a shortage of services [ 89 ].…”

Frequency of missed or delayed diagnosis in dementia is associated with neighborhood socioeconomic status

“…15 The level of deprivation in a geographical area, commonly termed neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), is a risk factor for general health and well-being. 16,17 However, findings concerning association between nSES and risk of dementia are inconsistent. [18][19][20][21] The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between nSES and missed or delayed diagnosis of dementia.…”

Neighborhood Environment and Mental Well-Being Among Chinese Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Social Capital

“…Nevertheless, most studies exploring how neighborhood environment influences older adults’ mental well-being rely on subjective measures of neighborhood environment ( Padeiro et al, 2022 ). Few incorporate both subjective and objective attributes of neighborhood environments.…”