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Improving the Neighborhood Environment for Urban Older Adults: Social Context and Self-Rated Health

Author

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  • Arlesia Mathis

    (Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, 1515 MLK Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA)

  • Ronica Rooks

    (Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, P.O. Box 173364, CB 188, Denver, CO 80217, USA)

  • Daniel Kruger

    (Prevention Research Center of Michigan, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

Abstract

Objective : By 2030, older adults will account for 20% of the U.S. population. Over 80% of older adults live in urban areas. This study examines associations between neighborhood environment and self-rated health (SRH) among urban older adults. Methods : We selected 217 individuals aged 65+ living in a deindustrialized Midwestern city who answered questions on the 2009 Speak to Your Health survey. The relationship between neighborhood environment and self-rated health (SRH) was analyzed using regression and GIS models. Neighborhood variables included social support and participation, perceived racism and crime. Additional models included actual crime indices to compare differences between perceived and actual crime. Results : Seniors who have poor SRH are 21% more likely to report fear of crime than seniors with excellent SRH ( p = 0.01). Additional analyses revealed Black seniors are 7% less likely to participate in social activities ( p = 0.005) and 4% more likely to report experiencing racism ( p < 0.001). Discussion : Given the increasing numbers of older adults living in urban neighborhoods, studies such as this one are important for well-being among seniors. Mitigating environmental influences in the neighborhood which are associated with poor SRH may allow urban older adults to maintain health and reduce disability.

Suggested Citation

  • Arlesia Mathis & Ronica Rooks & Daniel Kruger, 2015. "Improving the Neighborhood Environment for Urban Older Adults: Social Context and Self-Rated Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2015:i:1:p:3-:d:61008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Beard, J.R. & Cerdá, M. & Blaney, S. & Ahern, J. & Vlahov, D. & Galea, S., 2009. "Neighborhood characteristics and change in depressive symptoms among older residents of New York City," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(7), pages 1308-1314.
    3. S. V. Subramanian & Laura Kubzansky & Lisa Berkman & Martha Fay & Ichiro Kawachi, 2006. "Neighborhood Effects on the Self-Rated Health of Elders: Uncovering the Relative Importance of Structural and Service-Related Neighborhood Environments," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 61(3), pages 153-160.
    4. Diez Roux, A.V., 2001. "Investigating neighborhood and area effects on health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(11), pages 1783-1789.
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