Centre of Studies in Geography and Territorial Planning

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Neighborhood attributes and well-being among older adults in urban areas: a mixed-methods systematic review

Publication . Padeiro, Miguel; de Sao Jose, Jose; Amado, Carla; Sousa, Liliana; Roma Oliveira, Carla; Esteves, Alina; McGarrigle, Jennifer

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.

2022-05Review

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Ageing in place: Older people identify barriers to remaining in low-density areas

Publication . Paulo Nossa; Sofia Vale Pereira; Margarida Lima; Coimbra Vieira, Cristina Maria; Anabela Mota-Pinto

Studies involving older people as co-investigators are limited in Portugal. The main objectives of this article are: (I) Analyze the barriers identified by older people living in low-density territories that pose a challenge to ageing in place. (ii) Understand the co-research methodology as an appropriate instrument for increasing the participatory capacity of older people and improving the conditions for ageing in place. (iii) Assess the role of social networks and community support in providing informal assistance to older people in low-density territories. The study involved 14 co-researchers, who had a balanced gender representation and an average age of 64.5 years. All the co-researchers were residents of the study location and volunteered for the research. They were provided training in interview techniques and active listening, prior to the study. A total of three interviews and 23 photographs were analyzed and discussed in five focus group meetings. The participants agreed upon four types of unmet needs and developed proposals to increase their negotiating power, thereby mitigating barriers to their permanence. The co-researchers presented their proposals at two public meetings with decision-makers, managers, and members of the municipal council. The findings were a significant addition to the promotion of the co-research approach and the engagement of older adults in detecting the obstacles that hinder their secure and independent aging in their living environment.

2024-05-24Journal article

Open access