Linking green space to neighborhood social capital in older adults: The role of perceived safety

Abstract

This study examines the moderating effect of perceived safety on the association of green space with neighborhood social capital in older adults. Green space may play an important role for promoting neighborhood social capital and health for older adults; however, safety remains a significant challenge in maximizing the benefits of green space. Data were drawn from 647 independent-living seniors who participated in the Senior Neighborhood Quality of Life Study in the Seattle/King County and Baltimore/Washington DC region. The results suggest that certain green space elements, such as natural sights, may be beneficial to neighborhood social capital of older adults. However, other types of green space, such as parks and street trees, may be less advantageous to older adults who perceive their neighborhoods as unsafe for pedestrians. Findings highlight the importance of pedestrian safety in examining associations of green space with neighborhood social capital in older adults. Further studies using a longitudinal design are warranted to confirm the causality of the findings.

How do older women perceive their safety in urban outdoor environments?

“…[44]. The provision of neighborhood amenities, such as lighting, public facilities, and sidewalk (curb) conditions can shape the walking behaviour of older and promote neighborhood safety [6]. Similar findings are expressed by the participants.…”

“…This study also demonstrates the relationship between the elderly's health condition and their level of fear since the lack of physical health leads to the older women's feeling of helpless when facing violence [51]. Insurance, pension, and other health services could reduce this fear [6]. Older people who assume they have one or more disabilities are more prone to fear to be a victim of a crime which decreases their outdoor activity [42].…”

“…Based on the results, social capital and social network could effectively contribute to older women's sense of safety leading to their increased outdoor activity. The sense of perceived safety in built environments contributes to the residents' participation and interactions with their neighbours [6,40] The level of perceived fear may increase as a result of weak social networks, lack of community cohesion or a generally low level of social capital and the presence of inter-group conflicts which as a result lead to a lower degree of social participation. Social capital and trust are the two concepts related to perceived safety but they are not conceptually and empirically the same [41].…”

“…Indeed, physical activity is an important healthy lifestyle behavior associated with maximum physical potential, and healthy living while ameliorating the effects of age such as a decline in physical functioning and impact of comorbid chronic conditions [3]. It also provides older people with socializing opportunities, promotes independence and improves their quality of life [4], health and social outcomes [5,6].…”

“…The benefits extend beyond physical health; there is strong evidence to support urban open spaces reduce stress and fatigue [6][7][8][9], improve community interactions, as well as has positive influence on emotional health [4,10]. In addition to, the safe and aesthetic places are important factors for users in an outdoor environment [1], to be associated with positive impacts such as healthy behaviours [11][12][13].…”