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Neighborhood built environment and loneliness dynamics among older Chinese immigrants in the United States

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the associations between built environment characteristics and changes in loneliness over time among older Chinese immigrants, as well as the potential mediating roles of social factors. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE, 2011-2020), involving 2,550 participants residing in 170 census tracts who provided repeated measures of loneliness. Neighborhood-level data were obtained from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA) and the American Community Survey (ACS). Built environment measures captured walkability, presence of amenities, open spaces, and public transit. Potential mediators were assessed at baseline, including social networks, perceived social support, social engagement, and sense of community. Latent growth curve zero-inflated Poisson models were used to assess longitudinal associations between the built environment and loneliness. RESULTS: Participants reported low baseline loneliness, with a significant decline over time. Longer block lengths were associated with higher initial loneliness (B = 0.005, p = .046). More public transit stops were linked to lower initial loneliness (B = -0.003, p = .005) but also a slower rate of decline (B = 0.001, p = .009). No significant mediation effects were found for social networks, social support, social engagement, or sense of community, possibly driven by the nonsignificant relationships between these mediators and loneliness. DISCUSSION: Findings underscore the nuanced role of walkability and transit access in shaping loneliness among older Chinese immigrants. Addressing loneliness in aging immigrant populations requires multilevel strategies, including inclusive urban design, enhanced social infrastructure, and culturally responsive community engagement.

Source: The Journals of Gerontology Series B

DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaf257

Authors: Fengyan Tang, Qingqing Yin, Wendi Da, Guoping Jin, Yanping Jiang

Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

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

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, Directorate for Biological Sciences, National Institute on Aging