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Cao Q, Pope N, Greenfield E. "I'm Part of Something That Matters": Exploring What Older Adults Value Through Their Engagement in Age-Friendly Community Initiatives. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024; 67:715-737. [PMID: 38704668 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2024.2339971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Older adults' engagement in age-friendly community (AFC) initiatives is considered an essential element of community transformation. However, research on older adults' experiences of engaging in AFC initiatives remains nascent. Based on qualitative interviews with 23 older adult participants from 15 AFC initiatives across four states in the United States (U.S.), our reflexive thematic analysisidentified three themes regarding what participants value from their engagement: (a) social contribution; (b) social connectedness and integration; and (c) staying active and personal growth. Exploring older adults' interest in contributing to, connecting with, and growing in their community can inform recruitment and retention in AFC initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuchang Cao
- College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Natalie Pope
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Emily Greenfield
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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Kim S, Kim J, Kim K, Buckley T. Age-friendly Environment and Aging in Place: Finding from Latent Profile Analysis. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2024; 98:499-514. [PMID: 37587727 DOI: 10.1177/00914150231194236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Older adults prefer ageing in place (AIP) rather than institutionalized facilities. Although its advantages, AIP can be challenging when communities are unable to meet residents' needs. This study aims to identify the relationship between the level of age-friendliness of community and AIP. We used AARP Age-friendly Community Survey data with 6670 older adults in the USA. We used responses from 63 items assessing various aspects of a community's age-friendliness to identify different types of age-friendly communities (AFCs) through latent profile analysis (LPA). We then ran multinomial logistic regression to examine whether the types of AFC were associated with AIP. LPA revealed three types of AFC: Underdeveloped, developing, and developed. Regression results showed older adults living in underdeveloped and developing communities are less likely to AIP compared to those in the developed community. These results show a positive impact of AFC on intention to AIP. Policymakers should consider expanding AFC initiatives for the growing number of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Kim
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Junpyo Kim
- School of Social Welfare, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, The Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongmo Kim
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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Cheng Y, Chen ZL, Wei Y, Gu N, Tang SL. Examining dynamic developmental trends: the interrelationship between age-friendly environments and healthy aging in the Chinese population-evidence from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 2011-2018. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:429. [PMID: 38750429 PMCID: PMC11094897 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05053-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this research is to investigate the dynamic developmental trends between Age-Friendly Environments (AFE) and healthy aging in the Chinese population. METHODS This study focused on a sample of 11,770 participants from the CHARLS and utilized the ATHLOS Healthy Aging Index to assess the level of healthy aging among the Chinese population. Linear mixed model (LMM) was used to explore the relationship between AFE and healthy aging. Furthermore, a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) and a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) were used to examine the dynamic developmental trends of healthy aging, taking into account both Between-Person effects and Within-Person effects. RESULTS The results from LMM showed a positive correlation between AFE and healthy aging (β = 0.087, p < 0.001). There was a positive interaction between the geographic distribution and AFE (central region * AFE: β = 0.031, p = 0.038; eastern region * AFE: β = 0.048, p = 0.003). In CLPM and RI-CLPM, the positive effect of healthy aging on AFE is a type of Between-Person effects (β ranges from 0.147 to 0.159, p < 0.001), while the positive effect of AFE on healthy aging is Within-Person effects (β ranges from 0.021 to 0.024, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Firstly, individuals with high levels of healthy aging are more inclined to actively participate in the development of appropriate AFE compared to those with low levels of healthy aging. Furthermore, by encouraging and guiding individuals to engage in activities that contribute to building appropriate AFE, can elevate their AFE levels beyond the previous average level, thereby improving their future healthy aging levels. Lastly, addressing vulnerable groups by reducing disparities and meeting their health needs effectively is crucial for fostering healthy aging in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cheng
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Liang Chen
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wei
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Gu
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Liang Tang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Mpofu E, Zhan RF, Yin C, Brock K. Qualities of Older Adults' Family and Friendship Relationships and Their Association with Life Satisfaction. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:49. [PMID: 38667516 PMCID: PMC11050695 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While family and friendship relationship qualities are associated with life satisfaction, evidence on how these types of relationships interact to contribute to older adults' life satisfaction is sparse. This study examined how family and friendship relationship qualities may be supportive of (compensatory) or conflict with (competing) older adults' life satisfaction. We adopted a cross-sectional design to analyze data from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 1178, females = 54.8%, mean age = 67.9 years, SD = 9.3 years) to examine compensatory (as in social support) and competing (as in social strain) qualities of family and friendship social relationships and their association with life satisfaction in older adults. For greater explanatory power, we also controlled for life satisfaction by sociodemographic variables of age, gender, education, self-reported general health, physical health and activity, depression, and personality traits. Our findings indicate that the spouse/partner support relationship contributes to older adults' life satisfaction overall and is associated with greater social support and less social strain. Friendship support is associated with improved life satisfaction for older adults reporting spouse/partner strain. Relationship support for the life satisfaction of older adults should consider their need for social support from their social network while minimizing the risk of social strain from adversarial relationships in life situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Mpofu
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311456, Denton, TX 76203, USA; (R.-F.Z.); (C.Y.); (K.B.)
- School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Educational Psychology and Inclusive Education, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - Rong-Fang Zhan
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311456, Denton, TX 76203, USA; (R.-F.Z.); (C.Y.); (K.B.)
| | - Cheng Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311456, Denton, TX 76203, USA; (R.-F.Z.); (C.Y.); (K.B.)
| | - Kaye Brock
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #311456, Denton, TX 76203, USA; (R.-F.Z.); (C.Y.); (K.B.)
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
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Chen M, Bolt G, Hooimeijer P. The impact of residential environment on older people's capabilities to live independently: a survey in Beijing. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:843. [PMID: 38500091 PMCID: PMC10949666 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown how environmental factors influence older people's health and functional limitations, which are crucial for achieving healthy aging. However, such a healthy aging model has been criticized for defining health as an absence of disease, because chronic conditions cannot be reversed through medical treatments. In response to such critiques, this study refers to Huber's positive health definition, arguing that health should not be defined as the absence of disease but as the ability to adapt and self-manage in the face of social, physical, and emotional challenges. There is a need to develop a community-based approach to healthy aging that considers how the residential environment enables older people to adapt and self-manage. Drawing on Sen's capability approach, this study proposes that such a community-based approach should provide a supportive environment to enable older people's capabilities to live independently. METHODS Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis of data from 650 older people (60 years and older) surveyed in Beijing, we unravel which features of the residential environment support older people' s capabilities to live independently and how these impacts differ depending on older people's frailty levels. RESULTS The results show that four environmental factors, namely perceived accessibility (B = 0.238, p < 0.001 for physical capability, B = 0.126, p < 0.001 for social capability, B = 0.195, p < 0.001 for psychological capability), pleasant surroundings (B = 0.079, p < 0.05 for physical capability, B = 0.065, p < 0.05 for social capability), meeting opportunities (B = 0.256, p < 0.001 for social capability, B = 0.188, p < 0,001 for psychological capability, and life convenience B = 0.089, p < 0.05 for physical capability, B = 0.153, p < 0.001 for psychological capability) positively affect older people's capabilities to live independently. These four environmental factors cause differences in older people's capabilities between different neighborhood types. Moderation analysis shows that meeting opportunities are more relevant for frail older people (B = 0.090, p < 0.001 for social capability, B = 0.086, p < 0.01 for psychological capability). CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the role of supportive residential environments in enabling older people to live independently. Furthermore, we identify four environmental factors that support older people's capabilities. Results can be used to develop effective community-based environmental support to enable older people to live independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Chen
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Gideon Bolt
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Hooimeijer
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Mu Y, Ge S, Du B. 1 km of living area: age differences in the association between neighborhood environment perception and self-rated health among Chinese people. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:584. [PMID: 38395814 PMCID: PMC10885538 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the age differences in the relationship between neighborhood environment perception and self-rated health among Chinese people. STUDY DESIGN This is cross-sectional study. METHODS The participants were 2,631 residents aged 18 and above from 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). Self-rated health was reported by residents. Neighborhood environment was measured by respondents' subjective perception of 1 km living area. Ordered logit regression models were used to examine the relationship between neighborhood environment perception and self-rated health. RESULTS In summary, 42.08% were classified as young adults, and 57.92% were classified as middle-aged and older adults. Young adults with higher perception of neighborhood social environment were more likely to perceive good health. Neighborhood built environment was significantly associated with self-rated health among middle-aged and older adults. CONCLUSION The neighborhood environment is an important predictor of the health of its residents. Neighborhood environmental modifications should be tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, promoting health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexuan Mu
- School of Public health, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shu Ge
- School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Benfeng Du
- School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.
- Special expert of Henan Provincial Government, Henan, China.
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Dunning L, Ty D, Shah P, McDermott M. Awareness and Perceptions of "Age-Friendly": Analyzing Survey Results from Voices in the United States. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 8:58. [PMID: 37367090 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics8030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The term "age-friendly" is widely used to describe cities, communities, health systems, and other environments. However, little is known about how this is interpreted or what the term means to the public. To investigate the public's familiarity with the term and gain insights into its relevance to older adults, we utilized data generated by a survey of 1000+ adults aged 40 and above. We employed a 10-question survey, distributed online in the US from 8 to 17 March 2023 via a third-party vendor, that captured awareness and perceptions of age-friendly designations by exploring awareness of the term, contextual understanding, and influence on decision making. The resultant aggregate data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and straightforward summary statistical analyses. The majority of respondents (81%) were aware of the term "age-friendly." Older adults (ages 65+) lagged in the self-described extreme or moderate level of awareness compared to adults aged 40-64. In the surveyed population, the term "age-friendly" was most often understood to apply to communities (57%), followed by health systems (41%) and cities (25%). Most people believed "age-friendly" refers to all ages, even though age-friendly health systems are designed to meet the unique needs of older adults. These survey results provide the age-friendly ecosystem field with insights into the awareness and perceptions of the term "age-friendly," highlighting opportunities to bolster understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Dunning
- Center for the Future of Aging, Milken Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
| | - Diane Ty
- Center for the Future of Aging, Milken Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
| | - Priyanka Shah
- Center for the Future of Aging, Milken Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
| | - Mac McDermott
- Center for the Future of Aging, Milken Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
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Forster GK, Aarø LE, Alme MN, Hansen T, Nilsen TS, Vedaa Ø. Built Environment Accessibility and Disability as Predictors of Well-Being among Older Adults: A Norwegian Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105898. [PMID: 37239625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about the influence environmental factors have on well-being is important to deliver policies supporting healthy ageing and sustainable health equity. An under-researched question is whether and how the built environment plays a role on well-being among older adults with disabilities. This study explores the relationship between built environment accessibility and disability on psychosocial well-being among older adults. Data were used from the Norwegian Counties Public Health Survey collected during February 2021 in Møre and Romsdal county (N = 8274; age = 60-97, mean = 68.6). General linear modelling was performed to examine the relationship and interaction between built environment accessibility (services, transportation, and nature) and disability on psychosocial well-being (quality of life, thriving, loneliness, and psychological distress). Higher levels of disability and poorer accessibility were each significantly related to lower psychosocial well-being across all variables (p < 0.001). Significant interaction effects were observed between disability and built environment accessibility on thriving (F(8, 5936) = 4.97, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.006) and psychological distress (F(8, 5957) = 3.09, p = 0.002, η2 = 0.004). No significant interaction effects were found for quality of life and loneliness. These findings indicate good built environment accessibility is associated with thriving and reduces psychological distress among older adults with disabilities. This study supports and extends previous findings on the importance of accessible and equipped environments for well-being and may aid policy makers when planning built environments to foster healthy ageing among this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Katharine Forster
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, NO-7047 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, HVL, NO-5063 Bergen, Norway
| | - Leif Edvard Aarø
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria Nordheim Alme
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, HVL, NO-5063 Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Hansen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-0456 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Welfare and Labour Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, NO-0170 Oslo, Norway
- Promenta Research Center, University of Oslo, NO-0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Sevenius Nilsen
- Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-0456 Oslo, Norway
- Promenta Research Center, University of Oslo, NO-0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Øystein Vedaa
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, NIPH, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, UiB, NO-5015 Bergen, Norway
- Voss District Psychiatric Hospital NKS Bjørkeli, NO-5705 Voss, Norway
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Glasser I, Smith MA. A Follow Up to the AARP Age-Friendly Community Survey Through a Focus Group Study. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231172659. [PMID: 37180754 PMCID: PMC10170586 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231172659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In an effort to help communities plan for their burgeoning aging population, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has facilitated community surveys to enable older adults to rate the current state of their own community for "aging in place." This Focus Group Study extended the findings of the AARP Age-Friendly Community Survey in a small-sized New England City, adding to our knowledge of an older adult population. Aim: In order to elicit the points of view of older adults in one small New England city, six focus groups were conducted via Zoom during the height of the pandemic, from the spring and fall of 2020 on the topic of aging in place. Method: The six focus groups had a total of 32 participants, all of whom were 65 years and older and living in the same New England city. Results: The challenges to aging in place small New England city that the focus group participants described included: knowing where to get complete and reliable information about vital services, the barriers to walkability, and the challenge of transportation when one can no longer safely drive. Conclusion: The Focus Group Study extended the findings of the AARP Age-Friendly Community Survey in a small-sized New England City through the voices of the older adults which led to a more nuanced understanding of what it takes to age in place. The results of the study were utilized by the city in order to write an action plan as a guide to becoming more age-friendly.
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Pinazo-Hernandis S, Blanco-Molina M, Ortega-Moreno R. Aging in Place: Connections, Relationships, Social Participation and Social Support in the Face of Crisis Situations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16623. [PMID: 36554504 PMCID: PMC9779458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We seek to identify active coping strategies used by older adults to face the pandemic and to deal with daily stressors, and to clarify which factors had an effect on stress, positive emotions and depression in active and healthy community-dwelling older adults in the first and second year of the pandemic in Costa Rica. METHODS Participants were living in their own homes in Costa Rica (n = 218, mean age 69.96, 82.1% women). Participants were interviewed by phone and answered an online survey, which included socio-demographic information, mental health variables such as stressors (perceived health and fear of COVID-19, illness, perception of pandemic gravity), loneliness (whether they felt lonely and how often they felt lonely), access to Information and Communication Technologies, socio-emotional coping variables, social participation and physical activity level during the pandemic. RESULTS Positive socio-emotional indicators related to well-being such as self-efficacy, social support, perceived health and proactive behavior were high. Negative well-being indicators such as perceived stress, emotional COVID-19 fear and loneliness showed low values in the sample studied during both years. We found significant relations across the dependent variables (perceived stress, positive emotions and depression) by studying the psychological well-being coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of coping strategies and social participation in the capacity of older adults to mitigate the negative psychological consequences of crisis situations and provide evidence of "aging in place".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauricio Blanco-Molina
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, National University, Heredia 40101, Costa Rica
| | - Raúl Ortega-Moreno
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, National University, Heredia 40101, Costa Rica
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Molina-Martínez MÁ, Marsillas S, Sánchez-Román M, del Barrio E. Friendly Residential Environments and Subjective Well-Being in Older People with and without Help Needs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15832. [PMID: 36497900 PMCID: PMC9741280 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that friendly environments are associated with well-being and higher quality of life in older people. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between friendly environments and subjective well-being by segmenting the population according to the need for help in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) in a representative sample of people over 55 years of age in the Basque Country (Spain) (n = 2760). To determine the predictive power of friendliness on subjective well-being, two separate linear regression models were obtained according to the need for help in ADLs. The results obtained show a greater explanatory power of the model in the case of people who required help. However, in the case of people who do not need help, subjective health had a greater weight in the predictions. This paper's findings support the greater importance of the characteristics of the physical and social environment, as people's functional status worsens, with friendliness being an explanatory factor for people's well-being as they age and their dependency increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Molina-Martínez
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- ENCAGEn-CM R&D Programme, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Sánchez-Román
- ENCAGEn-CM R&D Programme, Research Group on Ageing (GIE-CSIC), Institute of Economics, Geography and Demography (IEGD-CSIC), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28037 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Zhou JJ, Kang R, Bai X. A Meta-Analysis on the Influence of Age-Friendly Environments on Older Adults' Physical and Mental Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13813. [PMID: 36360692 PMCID: PMC9657613 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The importance of age-friendly environments (AFEs) for older adults has been empirically and theoretically highlighted by the extant literature. However, the strength of the association between environments and older adults’ well-being has not been comprehensively quantified. Given the different attributes of the physical and mental dimensions, this meta-analysis aims to synthesise and quantify the association between AFEs and the physical and mental well-being of older adults. Fourteen eligible studies were included in this analysis: among which eight explored the link between AFEs and physical well-being, and eleven investigated AFEs in association with mental well-being. A random-effects model showed a small but significant correlation between AFEs and the mental well-being of older adults (r = 0.160, 95% CI [0.084, 0.224], p < 0.001), and the correlation between AFEs and physical well-being was also significant (r = 0.072, 95% CI [0.026, 0.118], p < 0.01). The number of environmental factors involved in AFEs moderated the association with physical well-being, from which the association was only significant among studies focusing on fewer environmental factors (n < 6). Results of this meta-analysis indicated that AFEs may be more effective in promoting the emotions of older adults, compared to ameliorating their physical functioning. The limitations of current empirical studies and directions for future research in the field of environmental gerontology were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Zhou
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Active Ageing (Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Kimpel CC, Jones AC, Ratcliff AC, Maxwell CA. Affordable Housing Specialists' Perceptions of Advance Care Planning Among Low-Income Older Adult Residents: A Qualitative Study. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2022; 24:232-239. [PMID: 35766946 PMCID: PMC9260882 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This preliminary qualitative study aimed to explore affordable housing specialists' perceptions of challenges and patterns of advance care planning behaviors among low-income older residents in affordable housing. Advance care planning rates among such residents are disproportionally lower than higher-income older adults. Individual telephone interviews were conducted with affordable housing specialists in a major urban area in the Southeastern United States (N = 5). Using thematic content analysis, 2 independent coders synthesized the 2 coding sets into a single codebook that was iteratively and individually reapplied to the transcripts. The Ecological Model of Active Living, a model that embeds individual behavior within a physical and social environment, was used to categorize prominent codes to visualize relationships among codes and create a cohesive, ecological picture of planning behavior in this population. Four themes emerged from the data and were plotted in an adapted ecological model. Residents' ongoing struggles despite obtaining housing prevent self-initiation and maintenance of advance care planning. Housing specialists possess the expertise and empathy to guide change efforts and provide advance care planning, but aid is required to ensure adequate resources to prevent role conflict and burnout. Recommendations for interprofessional collaboration, practice, policy, and research are discussed.
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Kim K, Buckley TD, Burnette D, Huang J, Kim S. Age-Friendly Communities and Older Adults’ Health in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159292. [PMID: 35954648 PMCID: PMC9368031 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As age-friendly community (AFC) initiatives grow, it will be essential to determine whether older adults who live in an AFC have better health than those who live in other environments. This study uses data from the 2017 AARP AFC Surveys and the AARP Livability Index to assess whether AFCs promote the health of older adults. We analyze data for 3027 adults aged 65 and older who reside in 262 zip code areas. Following AARP guidelines, we allocated the sample into two groups: an AFC group (livability score of 51+; n = 2364) and a non-AFC (score ≤ 50, n = 663). The outcome variable was self-rated health (M = 3.5; SD = 1.1; range: 1–5). We used an inverse probability weighting approach to evaluate whether older adults who live in an AFC reported better self-rated health than those who live in a non-AFC. Findings showed that older adults who lived in an AFC had better self-rated health than those in a non-AFC (b = 0.08, p = 0.027). Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Black and Hispanic older adults reported worse self-rated health. Inasmuch as living in an AFC can promote the well-being of older adults, policymakers and practitioners should continue to develop and sustain high-quality, accessible built and social environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongmo Kim
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (D.B.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-804-827-8890; Fax: +1-804-828-0716
| | - Thomas D. Buckley
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Denise Burnette
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Jin Huang
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA;
| | - Seon Kim
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (D.B.); (S.K.)
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Association between Age-Friendliness of Communities and Frailty among Older Adults: A Multilevel Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127528. [PMID: 35742777 PMCID: PMC9224492 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
An age-friendly environment is one of the measures of healthy aging. However, there is scarce evidence of the relationship between the age-friendliness of communities (AFC) and frailty status among Chinese older adults. This study aims to examine this relationship using a multilevel analysis with the data of a cross-sectional study conducted among 10,958 older adults living in 43 communities in four cities in China. The validated Age-friendly Community Evaluation Scale and Chinese frailty screening-10 Scale (CFS-10) were used to measure AFC and Frailty. Multilevel regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between the AFC in two assessments of individual- and community-level and frailty status. After controlling for individual-level socio-demographic, health status, and lifestyle variables, compared with older adults in the lowest quartile of the individual-level perception of AFC, the frailty odds ratios for those in the top three quartiles were 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–0.83), 0.75 (95% CI: 0.61–0.91), and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.48–0.74). However, there was no association between the community-level AFC and frailty. A higher level of age-friendliness in the community is associated with lower frailty odds. Therefore, building age-friendly communities may be an important measure to prevent frailty among Chinese older adults.
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Ageing Well in Small Villages: What Keeps Older Adults Happy? Environmental Indicators of Residential Satisfaction in Four Dutch Villages. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073922. [PMID: 35409604 PMCID: PMC8997627 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This article aims to contribute to the existing literature about liveability in rural areas by explicitly focusing on the level of residential satisfaction of older adults (55+) in four small Dutch villages. We strive not only to identify the key indicators of residential satisfaction among older villagers but also to better understand how these indicators affect their (daily) life. Moreover, in line with the person–environment fit tradition, we differentiate according to the capabilities and vulnerabilities of older villagers. To this end, we use a mixed-method approach, in which we combine survey data with qualitative data collected with photovoice in the four villages. The findings indicate that older adults’ perceptions of spatial, social and functional aspects of the living environment are related to the degree of residential satisfaction overall. However, these perceptions appear to be strongly intertwined, especially perceptions about spatial characteristics, local identity and connectedness. Older adults who are hindered by health problems in undertaking daily activities experience a lower level of person–environment fit, which is reflected in a lower level of residential satisfaction. However, this relationship between subjective health and residential satisfaction can only be partially explained by different perceptions of the spatial, social and functional environment.
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Han J, Chan EHW, Yung EHK, Qian QK, Lam PTI. A Policy Framework for Producing Age-Friendly Communities from the Perspective of Production of Space. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2031. [PMID: 35206223 PMCID: PMC8872022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Given various hindrances in the macro context, how to efficiently develop age-friendly community policies requires further research. Currently, such kinds of frameworks are lacking. This paper aims to develop a policy framework to minimise cost and resolve conflict of interest between different generations in age-friendly community development. The study adopted a scientometric method to review the theoretical development of age-friendly community studies. Firstly, with a search for the keywords "age-friendly" and "community" on Web of Science, 72 English academic papers were found containing explicit theories. Most of the studies were conducted in the Global North. Then, a mixed analytical method was used to find a suitable theory, "the production of space", to develop the policy framework. Lastly, a policy framework was developed to overcome barriers to age-friendly community development strategically. Echoing previous studies, this paper proposes a way to counter financial austerity in age-friendly initiative investment and balance the consideration for older and younger populations in urban development. For practice, the policy framework can provide a reference for more efficient age-friendly community policymaking in different regions. For future research, the framework provides a model for more empirical studies considering the social dynamics in age-friendly community development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Han
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (J.H.); (E.H.K.Y.); (P.T.I.L.)
| | - Edwin H. W. Chan
- School of Public Administration, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Esther H. K. Yung
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (J.H.); (E.H.K.Y.); (P.T.I.L.)
| | - Queena K. Qian
- Faculty of Architecture and The Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, 2628 Delft, The Netherlands;
| | - Patrick T. I. Lam
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (J.H.); (E.H.K.Y.); (P.T.I.L.)
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Krok-Schoen JL, Xu M, White K, Clutter J, Dabelko-Schoeny H. White and Black Differences in Perceived Access to Health and Community Services and Self-Rated Health in an Age-Friendly Community Assessment. J Appl Gerontol 2021; 41:628-637. [PMID: 34114498 DOI: 10.1177/07334648211023251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to identify the race differences in perceived access to health and community services and self-rated health (SRH) among White and Black older adult participants of an age-friendly community assessment. METHODS Responses (n = 313) to a baseline assessment of Columbus, Ohio, residents aged ≥50 years were analyzed. RESULTS Significant differences were found between White and Black older adults regarding SRH, with Black older adults reporting lower SRH. Black older adults reported significantly lower perceived access to 11 out of the 13 health and community services. There were no significant differences by race regarding ratings of Columbus and personal neighborhoods as a place for people to live as they age. Regression analyses found income was a significant predictor of SRH for both White and Black older adults. DISCUSSION Opportunities to increase perceived access and knowledge of health and community services for older adults through targeted, equitable interventions are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Krok-Schoen
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Menglin Xu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Katie White
- Age-Friendly Innovation Center, Columbus, USA.,College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Jill Clutter
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Holly Dabelko-Schoeny
- Age-Friendly Innovation Center, Columbus, USA.,College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
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A Space-Time Analysis of Rural Older People's Outdoor Mobility and Its Impact on Self-Rated Health: Evidence from a Taiwanese Rural Village. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115902. [PMID: 34072884 PMCID: PMC8198793 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
With the aggravation of rural aging, the well-being and self-rated health level of older people in rural communities are significantly lower than those in urban communities. Past studies hold that mobility is essential to the quality of life of the elderly, and well-being depends on their own adaptation strategies in the built environment. Therefore, this study combines three key factors related to active aging: environment, health and mobility, and assumes that the elderly with good health status will have environmental proactivity and a wider range of daily mobility in a poor rural built environment. This study attempts to track daily mobility by using a space-time path method in time geography and then to explore the relationship between outdoor mobility and older people's self-rated health. A 1-week mobility path survey for 20 senior citizens of Xishi Village, a typical rural village in Taiwan, was conducted by wearing a GPS sports watch. A questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews were done to provide more information about the seniors' personal backgrounds and lifestyles. The results show that when the built environment is unfit to the needs of daily activities, half of the participants can make adjustment strategies to go beyond the neighborhoods defined by administrative units. Correlation analysis demonstrated that mental health is associated with daily moving time and distance. In addition, men have higher self-rated health scores than women, and there are significant statistical differences between married and widowed seniors in daily outing time and distance. This exploratory study suggests that in future research on rural health and active aging in rural areas, understanding the daily outdoor mobility of the elderly can help to assess their health status and living demands and quickly find out whether there is a lack of rural living services or environmental planning.
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Choi YJ. Understanding Aging in Place: Home and Community Features, Perceived Age-Friendliness of Community, and Intention Toward Aging in Place. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 62:46-55. [PMID: 34043782 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Promoting age-friendliness of communities and supporting aging in place (AIP) are of great importance. Based on processes of belonging and agency, which suggest that person-environment interactions influence residents' evaluations and behaviors related to the environment, this study aims to examine the interrelationship between the availability of age-friendly features, perceived age-friendliness of community, and intention toward AIP. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study used the 2015 AARP Age-Friendly Community Survey, which includes 66 home and neighborhood features under the eight domains specified by the WHO's Age-Friendly Cities Guidelines. A series of regression and mediational analyses were conducted to test hypotheses. RESULTS Overall, a greater availability of age-friendly features was positively associated with perceived age-friendliness of community and AIP intention. The relationship between age-friendly features and AIP intention was mediated by perceived age-friendliness of community (50.3% to 96% of the total effects). When perceived age-friendliness of community was introduced to models, the direct effects of housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, and transportation domains remained significant. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Findings suggest that a greater availability of age-friendly features influences older adults' perception on their community, leading to the development of a desire to age-in-place, supporting processes of belonging and agency. Domains of housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, and transportation may be the most important features in promoting age-friendliness of community and the key determinants of aging in place. Policy makers and practitioners may need to prioritize promoting age-friendly built environment before social environment in building age-friendly communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Jin Choi
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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21
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Heatwole Shank KS. Fidelity and utility of GPS loggers as a tool for understanding community participation of older adults. Scand J Occup Ther 2021; 29:282-292. [PMID: 34033523 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2021.1921841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to examine the fidelity and utility of global positioning system (GPS) technology for studying community mobility indicators, and to explore implications for community participation for older adults. METHOD A longitudinal cohort design with community-dwelling older adults (n = 33) was employed. GPS spatial data and activity logs were collected at baseline and one year later. Data were analysed to evaluate the fidelity of the GPS protocol, the nature and frequency of destinations, and the stability of community mobility over time. RESULTS Findings include evidence for high reliability of the GPS loggers to record out-of-home trips when compared to activity logs; utility of the technology for identifying frequency and type of occupational destinations; and the relative stability of two community mobility variables over time. GPS loggers generate key insights into how older adults move in and through their community as they engage in a range of occupations. CONCLUSION GPS technology is a robust and useful tool for gathering novel information, especially when combined with qualitative data. GPS loggers may be incorporated in evaluation or to tailor interventions. Community mobility enables social participation, and warrants further research using these methods to support processes of aging in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra S Heatwole Shank
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
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Kim K, Buckley T, Burnette D, Kim S, Cho S. Measurement Indicators of Age-Friendly Communities: Findings from the AARP Age-Friendly Community Survey. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 62:e17-e27. [PMID: 33909074 PMCID: PMC8759505 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Cities and counties worldwide have adopted the concept of "age-friendly communities." These communities aspire to promote older adults' well-being by providing a safe, affordable built environment and a social environment that encourages their participation. A major limitation in this field is the lack of valid and reliable measures that capture the complex dimensionality and dynamic nature of the aging-environment interface. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study uses data from the AARP 2016 Age-Friendly Community Surveys (N=3,652 adults ages 65 and older). The survey includes 62 indicators of age-friendliness, e g., outdoor spaces, transportation, housing, social participation, and community and health services. We randomly split the sample into two equal subsamples for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS CFA results indicated that both the five-factor model and the second-order factor model adequately fit the data. In the SEM five-factor model, outdoor space (β=.134; p=.017), social participation (β=.307; p<.001), and community and health services (β=-.149; p=.008) were associated with self-rated health, the outcome of interest. The path coefficients of housing and transportation were not significant. In the second-order factor model, people who lived in more age-friendly communities reported better self-rated health (β=.295; p<.001). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings show that the Age-Friendly Community Survey measures demonstrate reliability and concurrent validity. To promote older adults' well-being, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers should focus on improving their built and social environments. They can use these measures for short- and long-term planning, monitoring, and evaluating age-friendly community initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongmo Kim
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Tommy Buckley
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Denise Burnette
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Seon Kim
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Sunghwan Cho
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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The Impacts of the Neighborhood Built Environment on Social Capital for Middle-Aged and Elderly Koreans. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13020756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the neighborhood built environment (NBE) aspects of age-friendly cities and communities (AFCCs) and social capital in the Korean context. We described and compared age differences when analyzing misfits of AFCC NBE and impacts on social capital. We collected the data (N = 1246) from two Korean communities; our multiple and binary logistic regression outcomes show that AFCC NBE aspects such as outdoor spaces, transportation, and housing are significant predictors of different subcategories of social capital. For the older group, the outdoor spaces misfit was significant for all three subcategories of social capital, but transportation and housing misfits were significant for the social trust and reciprocity index scores. For the middle-aged group, the outdoor spaces misfit was significant for social networking and participation, and a transportation misfit was significant for participation and social trust and reciprocity. Fewer misfits or better fits of outdoor spaces and transportation encouraged more networking, participation, social trust, and reciprocity. Dwelling type was important to predict social capital, especially for the older group. The present study confirmed the importance of AFCC NBE in predicting social capital and unique factors in the Korean context.
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