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Neighbourhood Environment and Cognitive Vulnerability—A Survey Investigation of Variations Across the Lifespan and Urbanity Levels

Author

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  • Marica Cassarino

    (School of Applied Psychology, North Mall Enterprise Centre, University College Cork, T23 TK30 Cork, Ireland)

  • Eleanor Bantry-White

    (School of Applied Social Studies, William Thompson House, Donovan’s Road, University College Cork, T12 D726 Cork, Ireland)

  • Annalisa Setti

    (School of Applied Psychology, North Mall Enterprise Centre, University College Cork, T23 TK30 Cork, Ireland)

Abstract

Background: Understanding the impact of local communities on wellbeing is a paramount Sustainable Development Goal. In order to inform people-centred planning interventions, it is important to understand what demographic groups need supportive communities the most and where. This study explored associations between perceived neighbourhood characteristics and cognitive vulnerability, and the moderating role of age and urbanity of the place of residence. Methods: A convenience sample of 224 Irish adults completed a survey assessing cognitive vulnerability and perceptions of neighbourhood qualities, together with sociodemographic and residential information. Correlational analyses explored bivariate associations as well as moderating effects. A subsample (n = 142) provided qualitative accounts of their preferences of neighbourhood characteristics. Results: Regression analyses showed that controlling for sociodemographic factors, higher self-reported neighbourhood pleasantness was associated with lower cognitive vulnerability, particularly in older adults who lived in the most rural and urban areas ( p = 0.006). Qualitative accounts suggested urban–rural variations in perceived accessibility and perceptual stressors, and age-related variations in social preferences. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a complex association between neighbourhood characteristics and cognitive wellbeing, highlighting the potential benefits of neighbourhood pleasantness for cognition particularly for older people in very rural or very urbanised places. Implications for research and environmental interventions are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Marica Cassarino & Eleanor Bantry-White & Annalisa Setti, 2020. "Neighbourhood Environment and Cognitive Vulnerability—A Survey Investigation of Variations Across the Lifespan and Urbanity Levels," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:19:p:7951-:d:419651
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Ye Luo & Lingling Zhang & Xi Pan & Deborah Carr, 2019. "Neighborhood Environments and Cognitive Decline Among Middle-Aged and Older People in China," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 74(7), pages 60-71.
    4. Mizzo Kwon & Andrew C. Pickett & Yunsoo Lee & SeungJong Lee, 2019. "Neighborhood Physical Environments, Recreational Wellbeing, and Psychological Health," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 14(1), pages 253-271, March.
    5. Wörn, Jonathan & Ellwardt, Lea & Aartsen, Marja & Huisman, Martijn, 2017. "Cognitive functioning among Dutch older adults: Do neighborhood socioeconomic status and urbanity matter?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 29-38.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marica Cassarino & Sina Shahab & Sara Biscaya, 2021. "Envisioning Happy Places for All: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Transformations in the Urban Environment on the Wellbeing of Vulnerable Groups," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Chen, Xi & Lee, Chanam & Huang, Hao, 2022. "Neighborhood built environment associated with cognition and dementia risk among older adults: A systematic literature review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).

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