Work

Identify the direct and indirect impacts of the community built environment on the health of older adults

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The global ageing population is increasing. As their physical functions deteriorate, older adults face not only physical health challenges but also mental health issues. Enhancing the health status of older adults is imperative to improve their quality of life. However, research on the health status of older adults living in the community is limited, and the association between the built environment and daily activities remains largely unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to utilize structural equation modeling to (1) explore the interrelationships between the community built environment, daily activities of older adults, and their health, and (2) examine the interrelationships among their correlates. Methods: For data collection, this study administered structured questionnaires to 494 community-dwelling older adults across ten representative urban communities in Fuzhou, China. The questionnaire comprised four validated sections: demographic characteristics, perceived community built environment features, daily activity and health outcomes. Data analysis employed structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS 27.0, with SPSS 27.0 for preliminary analyses, to examine both direct effects of built environment on health outcomes and indirect effects mediated through daily activities. Results: Structural equation modeling revealed three pathways: Path 1 (community built environment →health of older adults), Path 2 (community built environment → daily exercise for older adults), and Path 3 (daily exercise for older adults →health of older adults). All three pathways were supported, indicating interaction among the factors. Conclusion: The health status of older adults is influenced by their living environment and daily activities. An improved community built environment can enhance health status among older adults. Furthermore, daily activities serve as partial mediators between community built environments and health outcomes. Our methodology and findings offer valuable insights for optimizing community built environments to promote the health of older adults.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1478337

Authors: Jinsu Yang, Yuming Shang, Fengxiao Cao, Huaze Ying, Yu Luo

Institution: Fujian University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Urban Transport and Accessibility

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801