How urban environments affect quality of life in older socio-demographic groups: the role of physical activity behaviour

Due to age-related declines in mobility and health, neighbourhoods are more likely to influence the well-being of older than younger adults. The chapter includes a review of current literature on the influence of neighbourhood physical and social attributes on older adults’ health-related quality of life (QOL), followed by an empirical study addressing identified knowledge gaps. The review revealed that social attributes have been more extensively investigated than physical attributes, and few studies have examined potential moderators and mediators of environment–QOL associations. Using data from the Active Lifestyle and the Environment in Chinese Seniors study conducted in Hong Kong, the research examined the extent to which gender moderates, and physical activity (PA) mediates, environment–QOL associations in older adults. Findings suggest that neighbourhoods may affect QOL through mechanisms other than PA. The same applies to the moderating effects of gender on associations between neighbourhood attributes and QOL. Implications for future research, practice and policy are discussed.