Neighborhood Built Environments and Health in Later Life: A Literature Review

Objectives: This literature review aims to assess the current state of the field linking neighborhood environments to later-life health and wellbeing. Methods: We used electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, and ProQuest) to search for studies published between 2010 and 2022 examining as...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging and health 2025-01, Vol.37 (1-2), p.3-17
Main Authors: Finlay, Jessica, Westrick, Ashly C., Guzman, Viveka, Meltzer, Gabriella
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Built Environment
Environment Design
Female
Health Status
Healthy Aging
Humans
Male
Mental Health
Neighborhood Characteristics
Residence Characteristics
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Summary:Objectives: This literature review aims to assess the current state of the field linking neighborhood environments to later-life health and wellbeing. Methods: We used electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, and ProQuest) to search for studies published between 2010 and 2022 examining associations between neighborhood built environmental variables and later-life physical, cognitive, mental, and social health outcomes. Results: Among 168 studies reviewed, the majority were quantitative (n = 144) and cross-sectional (n = 122). Neighborhood environmental variables significantly associated with later-life health outcomes included population density/rurality, walkability/street connectivity, access to services and amenities, neighborhood quality and disorder, and parks/green/blue/open space. Neighborhoods operated through behavioral and biological pathways including hazardous exposures, affective states (e.g., stress and restoration), and lifestyle (e.g., exercise, socialization, and diet). Discussion: Neighborhoods and healthy aging research is a burgeoning interdisciplinary and international area of scholarship. Findings can inform upstream community interventions and strengthen clinical care.
ISSN:0898-2643
1552-6887
1552-6887
DOI:10.1177/08982643231217776