The Subjective Well-Being of Elderly Migrants in Dongguan: The Role of Residential Environment

Abstract

To examine the association between community and individual-level residential environment in relation to subjective well-being (SWB) amongst 470 elderly migrants in China, this community-based survey was conducted. The manner and extent to which the SWB of these elderly migrants is influenced by their residential environment was the main area of focus. The Scale of Happiness of the Memorial University of Newfoundland was used to assess SWB. SWB was found to be associated significantly with environmental factors such as social cohesion, closeness to the nearest facility of recreation, the density of recreation facilities, financial facilities, and health facilities. The health facility density (B = 0.026, p < 0.001) and recreation facility density (B = 0.032, p < 0.001) had positive associations with SWB, while financial facility density (B = −0.035, p < 0.001) had a negative association. The primary determinants of SWB for elderly migrants ranged from individual to environmental factors. Through the enhancement of the accessibility to healthcare facilities in their new homes, in addition to promoting recreational activities and social services, the SWB amongst elderly migrants could be enhanced further.

The Influence and Prediction of Built Environment on the Subjective Well-Being of the Elderly Based on Random Forest: Evidence from Guangzhou, China

“…For elderly people, this environment is not only their residence but also the primary setting for most of their activities [15][16][17][18]. Moreover, current research has confirmed the influence of the built environment on the health of the elderly in many ways, especially in terms of the physical environment [19][20][21]. Studies have explored various built environmental factors affecting the physical and mental health of the elderly, including the density, availability, and accessibility of activity facilities.…”

“…When it comes to the built environment, the mix of land use, health facilities, and leisure facilities exerted a positive impact on SWB, while the density of financial facilities seemed to have a negative influence on SWB [19]. Previous research has found that accessibility to facilities such as medical centers, banks, and parks in the neighborhood is associated with the well-being of the elderly [19,32,33]. Favorable living environments and convenient infrastructure are important for SWB [19].…”

“…Some studies indicated that the perceived built environment and community consciousness could help explain how residential density affects SWB [36]. When it comes to the built environment, the mix of land use, health facilities, and leisure facilities exerted a positive impact on SWB, while the density of financial facilities seemed to have a negative influence on SWB [19]. Previous research has found that accessibility to facilities such as medical centers, banks, and parks in the neighborhood is associated with the well-being of the elderly [19,32,33].…”

“…Previous research has found that accessibility to facilities such as medical centers, banks, and parks in the neighborhood is associated with the well-being of the elderly [19,32,33]. Favorable living environments and convenient infrastructure are important for SWB [19]. Nevertheless, different studies have looked at different built environment factors and came to different conclusions.…”

A Study on the Impact of Built Environment Elements on Satisfaction with Residency Whilst Considering Spatial Heterogeneity

“…(2) The current research on the built environment and residential satisfaction does not sufficiently consider environmental factors and especially lacks a measurement of the design dimension. Wu [33] Liu [34] Wen [15] Personal properties…”