PERCEIVED NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCES AND MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL COHESION ON FUNCTIONAL HEALTH AMONG VERY OLD ADULTS
2024
Neighborhood Resources and Health in Older Adults
Sample size: 10578
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Zimmermann Jaroslava, Demirer Ibrahim
Primary Institution: University of Cologne
Hypothesis
The link between neighborhood socioeconomic resources and functional health is mediated by social cohesion.
Conclusion
Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions in neighborhoods negatively affect social cohesion and functional health, while higher social cohesion has a protective effect on functional health.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods have a higher likelihood of experiencing functional limitations.
- Low walkability and poor building conditions are associated with decreased ability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
- Higher social cohesion is linked to increased IADL.
Takeaway
Living in a neighborhood with good resources helps older people stay healthy and independent, especially when neighbors trust each other.
Methodology
Data from the German representative study 'Old age in Germany' was analyzed using path analysis based on structural equation modeling.
Participant Demographics
Persons aged ≥80 years from Germany.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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