Living Environment, Mobility, and Wellbeing among Seniors in the United States: A New Interdisciplinary Dialogue

Abstract

<jats:p> In view of the demographic profile of the older adults in the United States, in the next two decades, cities and communities need to adapt the form, environment, and transportation systems to accommodate the growing aging population. In this article, I review two streams of literature in the mobility among the older population: the mobility/living environment and wellbeing; the relationship between living environment and mobility. I argue that two streams of literature should be combined to inform an interdisciplinary dialogue and a new agenda for future research. </jats:p>

Analysing the travel behaviour of older adults: what are the determinants of sustainable mobility?

“…This research supports other recent studies which demonstrate that creating agefriendly cities requires an in-depth understanding of the perspectives of older adults (Dabelko-Schoeny et al, 2020). A recent comprehensive review of older adults, mobility and living environment literature shows the importance of collaborations between urban planning and other disciplines such as social work and public health, which are traditionally more experienced in working with older adults, to design age-friendly urban environments (Li, 2020). As a multi-disciplinary team consisting of urban planners and social workers, we suggest future studies to expand these connections with other disciplines to understand age-friendliness in more comprehensive ways.…”

“…Our focus on age and built environment characteristics is driven by the environmental gerontological perspective, which posits old age as a critical stage in the lifespan that is significantly influenced by the physical environment (Lawton and Nahemow, 1973;Lawton, 1982;Wahl et al, 2012). Previous research on ageing shows that the built environment influences daily mobility, independence, social engagement, physical activity levels and wellbeing among older adults (Cerin et al, 2017;Adorno et al, 2018;Bigonnesse and Chaudhury, 2019;Cao et al, 2019;Li, 2020;Lyu and Forsyth, 2022). Built environment characteristics such as urban density, diversity of land use, walking infrastructure and prevalence of transit stops are facilitators of walking, bicycling and transit use among older adults (Kemperman and Timmermans, 2009;Kerr et al, 2012;Cerin et al, 2013;Figueroa et al, 2014;Chudyk et al, 2015).…”

From Transportation Equity to Accessibility Capability: A New Framework to Guide Transportation Planning for Older People

“…The role played by different aspects of accessibility in the well-being of older adults is evident. Two literature reviews have found that scholars in planning, geography, gerontology, social work, and public health all tend to find that older adults who live in age-friendly communities with good access to various activity destinations (e.g., civic centers, parks, healthcare facilities, and restaurants and other commercial facilities), better walkability, more green spaces, and good access to other public transportation and active travel alternatives have a better quality of life, better physical and mental health, and experience less depression and loneliness (Li 2020; Lyu and Forsyth 2022). Neighborhoods with the above traits promote older adults’ daily interactions with neighbors and friends and encourage them to have more out-of-home activities, especially moderate-to-rigorous physical activities (Li 2020).…”

“…Two literature reviews have found that scholars in planning, geography, gerontology, social work, and public health all tend to find that older adults who live in age-friendly communities with good access to various activity destinations (e.g., civic centers, parks, healthcare facilities, and restaurants and other commercial facilities), better walkability, more green spaces, and good access to other public transportation and active travel alternatives have a better quality of life, better physical and mental health, and experience less depression and loneliness (Li 2020; Lyu and Forsyth 2022). Neighborhoods with the above traits promote older adults’ daily interactions with neighbors and friends and encourage them to have more out-of-home activities, especially moderate-to-rigorous physical activities (Li 2020). In many circumstances, older adults can utilize ICTs to replace out-of-home activities, and research has found that ICT usage, especially exposure to the Internet, helps to make loneliness and depression less likely among older adults, increases their social interaction (Sum et al 2008; Cotten et al 2012; Cotten, Anderson and McCullough 2013) and their sense of independence and autonomy (Steele et al 2009), and improves their physical health (Boekel et al 2017).…”

Are Shared Vehicles Shared by All? A Review of Equity and Vehicle Sharing

“…We follow the advice of Lee, Sener, and Jones (2017) and review evidence related to low income, racial/ethnic minorities, older adults (age), gender, and people with disabilities. Lower levels of accessibility of minorities and lower-income people are well-documented (Lucas 2012; Sanchez 2018), as is that of women (Hanson 2010; Loukaitou-Sideris 2016), older adults (Dickerson et al 2007; Li 2020), and people with disabilities (Rosenbloom 2007). In our review of evidence regarding income, we also include research on the level of education, as this is often correlated with income and reported in several studies.…”