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Comparing the Age-Friendliness of Different Neighbourhoods Using District Surveys: An Example from Hong Kong

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  • Moses Wong
  • Pui Hing Chau
  • Francis Cheung
  • David R Phillips
  • Jean Woo

Abstract

Background: To address the age-friendliness of living environment in cities, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “Age-friendly cities” (AFC) initiative in 2005. To date, however, no universal standard tool for assessing age-friendliness of a community has been agreed. Methodology: Two quantitative studies on AFC conducted in two Hong Kong districts—Sha Tin and Tuen Mun—were compared. A total of 801 residents aged ≥50 years were interviewed using structured questionnaires based on the WHO’s AFC criteria. District-wide differences in age-friendliness were compared on the basis of eight domain scores. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations with demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The provision of services and amenities was also compared to help explain the difference in domain scores. Results: Variations in mean domain scores were observed in both districts. Sha Tin showed significantly lower scores in outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, as compared with Tuen Mun. Although a significantly higher score on the housing domain was observed in Sha Tin, differences in community and health services domains were insignificant. Socio-demographic factors, such as age group, gender, area of residence, type of housing, experience of elderly care, employment status, self-rated health and income, were associated with domain scores. However, variations in services and amenities provision appeared not to be strongly associated with district-wide difference in domain scores. Conclusions: District differences in public opinions towards age-friendly characteristics were observed in this study. Except for two of the eight domains, Sha Tin had significantly lower scores than Tuen Mun. Some socio-demographic indicators seemed predictive to the differences. Paradoxically, Sha Tin had better services and infrastructure and higher socio-economic status, but lower age-friendliness. This warrants detailed research on psychosocial factors that may influence residents’ perceptions of local environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Moses Wong & Pui Hing Chau & Francis Cheung & David R Phillips & Jean Woo, 2015. "Comparing the Age-Friendliness of Different Neighbourhoods Using District Surveys: An Example from Hong Kong," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(7), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0131526
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131526
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kim, Eric S. & Park, Nansook & Peterson, Christopher, 2013. "Perceived neighborhood social cohesion and stroke," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 49-55.
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    Cited by:

    1. Moses Wong & Ruby Yu & Jean Woo, 2017. "Effects of Perceived Neighbourhood Environments on Self-Rated Health among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Paola Monachesi, 2023. "Age Friendly Characteristics and Sense of Community of an Italian City: The Case of Macerata," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-15, May.
    3. Nuan-Ching Huang & Shiann-Far Kung & Susan C. Hu, 2018. "The Relationship between Urbanization, the Built Environment, and Physical Activity among Older Adults in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, April.

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