1
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Huxhold O, Fiori KL. Understanding loneliness in late life. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 57:101801. [PMID: 38428351 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101801] [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] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness in late adulthood is a public health issue. Thus, understanding the etiology of loneliness is of critical importance. Here, we conceptualize the development of loneliness in late life as dynamic interactions between individual and contextual processes. Specifically, we suggest that loneliness arises if the existing social relationships are unable to meet a set of social expectations. These expectations are fulfilled by three different layers of the social structure: 1) close confidants; 2) broader social networks; and 3) involvement in the community. Although older adults experience losses in their broader network and engage less in the community, they may avoid loneliness by focusing on close confidants. However, these adaptations may make it more difficult for older adults to overcome loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Huxhold
- German Centre of Gerontology, Manfred-von-Richthofen-Str 2, D-12101, Berlin, Germany.
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2
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Jiang C, Chow JCC, Zhou L, Song H, Shi J. Community support, social isolation and older adults' life satisfaction: evidence from a national survey in China. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:849-857. [PMID: 37921357 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2277871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the recognized importance of community social service and community built facility for enhancing older adults' life satisfaction, the mechanisms underlying their relationship have not been thoroughly examined. This study aims to complement the existing knowledge by investigating the mediating role of social disconnectedness and loneliness in the association between community support and life satisfaction among older adults. METHODS Using data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, the study analyzes responses from 9,874 Chinese older adults (mean age = 71.30 years, SD = 7.30). We conducted descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation to explore the variables. This study also used Mplus 8.0 to conduct a path analysis model that evaluated both the direct and indirect effects of community social service and built facility on life satisfaction. Social disconnectedness and loneliness were included as mediating variables in this model. RESULTS The present study results show that both community social service and community built facility are positively associated with life satisfaction among older adults, and community social service is more imporatant for enhancing the life satisfaction. In addition, these associations are mediated by social disconnectedness and loneliness. CONCLUSION Our research suggests that strengthening community social service programs and improving the built environment can reduce social disconnectedness and loneliness among older adults, ultimately enhancing their life satisfaction. Specifically, policymakers can invest in targeted interventions to enhance social connectedness and reduce loneliness, with the goal of improving the overall well-being of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoxin Jiang
- Department of Social Welfare and Risk Management, School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of Social Welfare, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Leyi Zhou
- School of Social Welfare, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hao Song
- School of Government, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaming Shi
- Department of Social Security, School of Public Administration, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China
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3
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Pan Z, Liu Y, Liu Y, Huo Z, Han W. Age-friendly neighbourhood environment, functional abilities and life satisfaction: A longitudinal analysis of older adults in urban China. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116403. [PMID: 37989046 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116403] [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] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The construction of age-friendly neighbourhoods is a priority for practice and policy to promote active ageing and increase life satisfaction for older adults. However, there has been a paucity of longitudinal evidence on the interaction effects of age-friendly neighbourhood environment and functional abilities on life satisfaction among older adults in urban China. This study makes the first attempt to examine the effect of person-environment fit on life satisfaction by the accumulative effects of age-friendliness of the baseline neighbourhood environment (measured within the WHO Age-Friendly City framework) on functional abilities and life satisfaction trajectories and the long-term effects of functioning changes on life satisfaction, drawing from four waves of longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and latent growth curve modelling. Results indicated that the age-friendliness of transportation was positively associated with functional abilities, and housing was the primary factor that shaped life satisfaction at the baseline. Better maintenance of functional abilities could promote life satisfaction over time. For older adults living in recently built neighbourhoods, social environment factors such as associations and facilities for social participation were more important in functional abilities, and communication and information were more important in life satisfaction. For those living in neighbourhoods built before 2000, physical environment factors such as transportation were essential in functional abilities, and housing was more essential in life satisfaction; health-related facilities and services at baseline exerted a cumulative effect on maintaining functional abilities in the long run. Our findings inform policymakers about how to effectively allocate public resources to enhance older adults' life satisfaction in the Chinese urban context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuolin Pan
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-Simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Department of Urban Planning, School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ye Liu
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-Simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ziwen Huo
- Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenchao Han
- Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Sixsmith J, Makita M, Menezes D, Cranwell M, Chau I, Smith M, Levy S, Scrutton P, Fang ML. Enhancing Community Participation through Age-Friendly Ecosystems: A Rapid Realist Review. Geriatrics (Basel) 2023; 8:geriatrics8030052. [PMID: 37218832 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics8030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This rapid realist review explored the key components of age-friendly ecosystems that promote community participation among older adults. The study (undertaken in 2021 and updated in 2023) synthesized evidence from 10 peer-reviewed and grey literature databases to identify the underlying mechanisms and contextual factors that shape why, under what circumstances, and for whom an age-friendly ecosystems might be effective as well as the intervention outcomes. A total of 2823 records were initially identified after deduplication. Title and abstract screening produced a potential dataset of 126 articles, reducing to 14 articles after full text screening. Data extraction focused on the contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes of ecosystems for older adults' community participation. Analysis suggested that age-friendly ecosystems that aim to promote community participation are characterized by the provision of accessible and inclusive physical environments, the availability of supportive social networks and services, and the creation of opportunities for meaningful engagement in community life. The review also highlighted the importance of recognizing the diverse needs and preferences of older adults and involving them in the design and implementation of age-friendly ecosystems. Overall, the study has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms and contextual factors that contribute to the success of age-friendly ecosystems. Ecosystem outcomes were not well discussed in the literature. The analysis has important implications for policy and practice, emphasizing the need to develop interventions that are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of older adults, and that promote community participation as a means of enhancing health, wellbeing, and quality of life in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Sixsmith
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Meiko Makita
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Deborah Menezes
- The Urban Institute, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, Scotland, UK
| | - Marianne Cranwell
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Isaac Chau
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Mark Smith
- School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, Scotland, UK
| | - Susan Levy
- School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, Scotland, UK
| | - Pat Scrutton
- Intergenerational National Network, Glasgow G41 1BA, Scotland, UK
| | - Mei Lan Fang
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HJ, Scotland, UK
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5
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Jones A, Parham S. Living in an Age-Friendly Community: Evidence from a Masterplanned Development in Southwest Sydney. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1312. [PMID: 36674071 PMCID: PMC9859270 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021312] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper is situated at the interface of a growing urban studies literature concerned with 'masterplanning' practices in urban planning and another, hitherto relatively discrete, body of research concerned with age-friendly cities and communities. The authors are interested in exploring a gap in aging in place literature around how neighbourhoods and residential settings developed with aging in place principles in mind are experienced and perceived by residents. To explore this research gap, the authors analyse qualitative (primarily interview and focus group) data collected in Park Central, a masterplanned development located in the Campbelltown suburb in the southwest region of the Sydney metropolitan area, Australia. This development was delivered in response to a need identified by the state's land and property development agency, Landcom, for more diverse and affordable medium-density housing in Campbelltown. In particular, a need was identified for housing developments that would be able to sustainably accommodate the changing lifestyle needs of a maturing population in the region. Drawing on our thematic analysis of our data, we discern three key themes in research participants' experiences of Park Central as a place for aging. These themes are elaborated via recourse to excerpts from our data and discussed with a view to informing how the conception, development and practice of further age-friendly communities is approached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alasdair Jones
- Human Geography, Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK
| | - Susan Parham
- Urbanism and Planning, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK
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6
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Fang ML, Sixsmith J, Hamilton-Pryde A, Rogowsky R, Scrutton P, Pengelly R, Woolrych R, Creaney R. Co-creating inclusive spaces and places: Towards an intergenerational and age-friendly living ecosystem. Front Public Health 2023; 10:996520. [PMID: 36685002 PMCID: PMC9846501 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.996520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Evolving aging societies, ongoing digitalisation and circumstances of COVID-19 are changing living conditions for growing older. There is an increased urgency to view public health with a focus on integrating people of all ages into the matrix of opportunities afforded in their communities. This study initiates the conceptualization of an intergenerational, age-friendly living ecosystem (AFLE) to enhance public health planning. Methodology A participatory study was conducted using a multi-methods approach. Six virtual co-creation sessions (n = 35-50 participants), alongside a mainly open-ended INTERGEN survey designed specifically for this study (n = 130) were conducted to conceptualize multilevel ideas for building intergenerational age-friendly places using Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems model. At the height of COVID-19, virtual applications (Zoom, Moodboard) and case studies, creative methods (drawing, photography, storytelling and spotlight sessions) were applied to engage academic and non-academic participants between ages 5 - 80+ years, across eight countries. Sessions were video-recorded with visual themes captured by a graphic facilitator. The survey covered issues of multigenerational interactions; intergenerational and age-friendly place features; place safety; and necessary stakeholders required for creating intergenerational and age-friendly places. Data were reflexively analyzed using a team approach to thematic analysis. Results Findings present both the thematic analysis of Virtual Co-creation Camps (VCCs) and the INTERGEN survey results. These findings are addressed in three overarching categories that highlight the necessary characteristics of AFLEs as suggested by the VCC participants and survey respondents: (i) Sensory factors: feeling and emotion as starting points for physical design; (ii) Physical and digital factors in designing AFLE spaces and places; and (iii) Socio-cultural factors: tackling ageism and exclusion as part of the solution. Discussion The analysis resulted in a pathway toward enhanced understandings on how multi-generations can better interact with fluctuating organizational domains (industry, voluntary, academic and public sectors) in urban and rural settings to facilitate intergenerational connectivity. Through processes of co-creation, an AFLE proof of concept and roadmap for public health planning was developed to support and provide opportunities for people as they age to reap the socioeconomic benefits of their local and virtual communities and help them become well integrated, valued and contributory members of society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Lan Fang
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Department of Gerontology, Science and Ageing Technology (STAR) Research Institute, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Judith Sixsmith
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rayna Rogowsky
- School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Pat Scrutton
- Intergenerational National Network, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ryan Woolrych
- The Urban Institute, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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7
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Bower M, Kent J, Patulny R, Green O, McGrath L, Teesson L, Jamalishahni T, Sandison H, Rugel E. The impact of the built environment on loneliness: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Health Place 2023; 79:102962. [PMID: 36623467 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is a pressing public health issue. Although quintessentially individual, it is shaped by wider environmental, cultural, socio-economic, and political circumstances. Using a systematic review methodology, this paper draws on interdisciplinary research to conceptualise the relationship between the built environment and loneliness. We present a narrative synthesis of 57 relevant studies to characterise the body of evidence and highlight specific built-environment elements. Our findings demonstrate the need for further conceptual and empirical explorations of the multifaceted ways in which built environments can prevent loneliness, supporting calls for investment into this public-health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlee Bower
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer Kent
- The University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design, and Planning, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Roger Patulny
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Olivia Green
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Laura McGrath
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, England; UK
| | - Lily Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Hannah Sandison
- The University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design, and Planning, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Rugel
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Australia
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8
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Chen S, Sun Y, Seo BK. The Effects of Public Open Space on Older People's Well-Being: From Neighborhood Social Cohesion to Place Dependence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16170. [PMID: 36498247 PMCID: PMC9737378 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This quantitative study examines the effects of Public Open Space (POS) on older people's well-being and examines the roles of neighborhood social cohesion (NSC) and place dependence (PD) as series buffers. A questionnaire survey of 501 people aged 65 and over was conducted in various communities of Hong Kong. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyze the pathways connecting POS and well-being. A multigroup analysis examined differences in the POS-well-being associations between the young-old (aged 65 to 75, n = 166) and old-old group (aged 76 to 95, n = 166). Results show that the association between POS and emotional well-being was stronger than social and psychological well-being. POS promotes three facets of well-being through developing NSC and, subsequently, PD. Multigroup analysis results suggest that the pathway from POS to emotional well-being via NSC is stronger for the old-old group; POS is more important for psychological well-being for the young-old group. This study highlights that the quality of POS, including attractive natural elements, various amenities, and sufficient space for social interactions, is essential for making relationship-rich and health-promotive urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Chen
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bo Kyong Seo
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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9
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Li M, Woolrych R. Experiences of Older People and Social Inclusion in Relation to Smart "Age-Friendly" Cities: A Case Study of Chongqing, China. Front Public Health 2022; 9:779913. [PMID: 34988053 PMCID: PMC8721664 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.779913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst cities can be sites of creativity, innovation, and change, they can also reproduce the conditions for the exclusion of vulnerable groups. Older people report experiencing specific barriers to accessing the city and are often excluded from the resources for ageing well. The smart city agenda has attempted to bring about technological change whilst also delivering improved quality of life for urban citizens. Smart technologies are a key element of the smart city and are viewed as having the potential to support the independence, autonomy, and well-being of older people. Yet, there has been little research exploring the role of the smart city in supporting the social inclusion of older people, nor any attempt to link this with key policy drivers on ageing e.g., age-friendly cities and communities. In response, the aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of older people living in a smart city in China and discuss how the smart city and age-friendly agenda can be brought together to support positive social outcomes for older people. The paper presents qualitative findings from a multi-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews, walking interviews and focus groups. A total of 64 older people participated in the research across three diverse neighbourhoods in the case study smart city of Chongqing, China. The findings identified opportunities in the development and deployment of smart city, including the potential for improved health and well-being and social connectedness. Yet in delivering on these benefits, a number of challenges were identified which may widen social inequalities, including inequities in access, issues of safety and security, and exclusion from the co-production of smart city policy and practise. The paper discusses the implications of the findings for future smart city policy and practise, specifically in delivering interventions that support older adults' social inclusion and the delivery of age-friendly cities and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlin Li
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, The Urban Institute, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Woolrych
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, The Urban Institute, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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10
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‘You really do become invisible’: examining older adults’ right to the city in the United Kingdom. AGEING & SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21001793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A global ageing population presents opportunities and challenges to designing urban environments that support ageing in place. The World Health Organization's Global Age-Friendly Cities movement has identified the need to develop communities that optimise health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. Ensuring that age-friendly urban environments create the conditions for active ageing requires cities and communities to support older adults’ rights to access and move around the city (‘appropriation’) and for them to be actively involved in the transformation (‘making and remaking’) of the city. These opportunities raise important questions: What are older adults’ everyday experiences in exercising their rights to the city? What are the challenges and opportunities in supporting a rights to the city approach? How can the delivery of age-friendly cities support rights to the city for older adults? This paper aims to respond to these questions by examining the lived experiences of older adults across three cities and nine neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom. Drawing on 104 semi-structured interviews with older adults between the ages of 51 and 94, the discussion centres on the themes of: right to use urban space; respect and visibility; and the right to participate in planning and decision-making. These themes are illustrated as areas in which older adults’ rights to access and shape urban environments need to be addressed, along with recommendations for age-friendly cities that support a rights-based approach.
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11
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Ronzi S, Orton L, Buckner S, Bruce N, Pope D. How is Respect and Social Inclusion Conceptualised by Older Adults in an Aspiring Age-Friendly City? A Photovoice Study in the North-West of England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249246. [PMID: 33321914 PMCID: PMC7764117 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Age-Friendly Cities (AFC) Guide classifies key characteristics of an AFC according to eight domains. Whilst much age-friendly practice and research have focused on domains of the physical environment, those related to the social environment have received less attention. Using a Photovoice methodology within a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, our study draws on photographs, interviews and focus groups among 26 older Liverpool residents (60+ years) to explore how the city promotes respect and social inclusion (a core WHO AFC domain). Being involved in this photovoice study allowed older adults across four contrasting neighbourhoods to communicate their perspectives directly to Liverpool’s policymakers, service providers and third sector organisations. This paper provides novel insights into how: (i) respect and social inclusion are shaped by aspects of both physical and social environment, and (ii) the accessibility, affordability and sociability of physical spaces and wider social processes (e.g., neighbourhood fragmentation) contributed to or hindered participants’ health, wellbeing, intergenerational relationships and feelings of inclusion and connection. Our findings suggest that respect and social inclusion are relevant across all eight domains of the WHO AFC Guide. It is core to an AFC and should be reflected in both city-based policies and evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ronzi
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3DT, UK; (L.O.); (N.B.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lois Orton
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3DT, UK; (L.O.); (N.B.); (D.P.)
- Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TU, UK
| | - Stefanie Buckner
- Cambridge Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK;
| | - Nigel Bruce
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3DT, UK; (L.O.); (N.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Daniel Pope
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3DT, UK; (L.O.); (N.B.); (D.P.)
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12
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Davern M, Winterton R, Brasher K, Woolcock G. How Can the Lived Environment Support Healthy Ageing? A Spatial Indicators Framework for the Assessment of Age-Friendly Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207685. [PMID: 33096773 PMCID: PMC7588877 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Guide was released by the World Health Organization over a decade ago with the aim of creating environments that support healthy ageing. The comprehensive framework includes the domains of outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community and health services. A major critique of the age-friendly community movement has argued for a more clearly defined scope of actions, the need to measure or quantify results and increase the connections to policy and funding levers. This paper provides a quantifiable spatial indicators framework to assess local lived environments according to each Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFC) domain. The selection of these AFC spatial indicators can be applied within local neighbourhoods, census tracts, suburbs, municipalities, or cities with minimal resource requirements other than applied spatial analysis, which addresses past critiques of the Age-Friendly Community movement. The framework has great potential for applications within local, national, and international policy and planning contexts in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Davern
- Healthy Liveable Cities Group, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Rachel Winterton
- John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia;
| | - Kathleen Brasher
- Age-Friendly Northeast Victoria, Central Hume Primary Care Partnership, Benalla, VIC 3672, Australia;
| | - Geoff Woolcock
- Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia;
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13
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Woolrych R, Duvurru J, Portella A, Sixsmith J, Menezes D, Fisher J, Lawthom R, Reddy S, Datta A, Chakravarty I, Khan AM, Murray M, Makita M, Zubair M, Pereira G. Ageing in Urban Neighbourhoods: Exploring Place Insideness Amongst Older Adults in India, Brazil and the United Kingdom. PSYCHOLOGY AND DEVELOPING SOCIETIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0971333620937106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The ageing in place agenda emphasises the importance of supporting older adults to age in their communities surrounded by the personal resources to age well. In exploring the relationship between older people and their environment, the concept of place insideness is seen as central to constructing feelings of identity, belonging and attachment in old age. Yet there has been little research exploring how older adults experience place insideness across different urban, social and cultural contexts which is an impediment to identifying effective interventions for age-friendly cities and communities. This article explores how place insideness is experienced amongst older adults across India, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The article presents qualitative findings from 294 semi-structured interviews collected across 9 cities and 27 neighbourhoods. The findings reveal that older adults cultivate their sense of place insideness in old age through dimensions of physical insideness (i.e., environmental competence in navigating and engaging in the community), social insideness (i.e., knowing others) and autobiographical insideness (i.e., shared place histories). In drawing on older people’s understanding of their communities, this article explores the opportunities and challenges in developing a sense of place insideness to support ageing well. We identify implications for policy and practice in terms of how we can better design urban environments as age-friendly communities which support a greater sense of place for older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Woolrych
- The Urban Institute, Heriot Watt University, Riccarton Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jamuna Duvurru
- Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Adriana Portella
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, School of Architecture and Urbanism, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Judith Sixsmith
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Menezes
- The Urban Institute, Heriot Watt University, Riccarton Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Fisher
- Department of Social Care and Social Work, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Lawthom
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Srikanth Reddy
- Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Abdul Majeed Khan
- National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Michael Murray
- School of Psychology, University of Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Meiko Makita
- Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Zubair
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gisele Pereira
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, School of Architecture and Urbanism, Pelotas, Brazil
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