Can Improved Environments Alone Ensure Well-Being for Older Adults? Exploring Aging in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods

The concept of aging in place has gained prominence in urban planning, yet few studies have specifically examined the impact of neighborhood environments on the subjective well-being (SWB) of older adults in disadvantaged areas. This study addresses this gap by comparing the SWB of residents in four low socioeconomic neighborhoods in Xi’an, China—two urban renewal areas with improved environments and two traditional neighborhoods with poor conditions. Using surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis, our study uncovers significant insights into the relationship between the built environment and SWB. Surprisingly, residents in urban renewal neighborhoods with better physical environments report lower residential satisfaction and a diminished sense of community. Our findings further suggest that perceptions of the built environment might have a greater influence on older adults’ well-being than objective conditions. In particular, perceived living convenience and affordability are two factors significantly associated with the SWB of older adults in these disadvantaged neighborhoods. These results emphasize the need for planning strategies that integrate both “hard” physical improvements and “soft” measures that enhance social connections, psychological experiences, and neighborhood identity. Additionally, our research reveals that the built environment factors influencing SWB are consistent across age groups, underscoring the potential benefits of developing age-friendly communities that serve all generations. The implications of this study provide valuable guidance for urban planners and policymakers in creating neighborhoods that effectively promote the well-being of older adults.