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A Meta-Analysis on the Influence of Age-Friendly Environments on Older Adults’ Physical and Mental Well-Being

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  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jia-Jia Zhou & Rui Kang & Xue Bai, 2022. "A Meta-Analysis on the Influence of Age-Friendly Environments on Older Adults’ Physical and Mental Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:13813-:d:951541
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beata Bieszk-Stolorz & Krzysztof Dmytrów, 2023. "The Well-Being-Related Living Conditions of Elderly People in the European Union—Selected Aspects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Xinyu Kong & Haoying Han & Fangting Chi & Mengyao Zhan & Xianfan Shu, 2024. "Association Between Neighborhood Built Environment and Mental Health: Differences Between Older Adults With and Without Restricted Mobility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-11, October.

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