Structural model for the relationships between age-friendly communities and quality of life of older adults in Hefei, China

Abstract

PurposeChina is experiencing tremendous changes of rapid urbanization and aging society. The development of age-friendly communities (AFCs) has been encouraged for improving health and well-being of older adults. Hence, this study aimed to deepen the understanding of AFCs in China and to investigate the integrated relationships between AFCs and the quality of life (QoL) of older adults, using a large-scale questionnaire survey.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted in Hefei, China, to investigate the complicated relationships between the components of AFCs and the QoL of older adults. Ultimately, 1,383 valid questionnaires were collected from senior respondents aged more than 60 years. Several statistical methods, including reliability analysis, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM), were adopted to develop an integrated model for AFC components and the QoL of older adults.FindingsSix AFC components and four older adults' QoL factors were identified. The SEM results revealed integrated relationships between specific AFC components and the QoL of older adults: (1) physical QoL was affected by outdoor spaces, public transportation, housing and community and health services; (2) psychological QoL was predicted by most of the AFC components except community and health services; and (3) environmental QoL and social QoL were both influenced by outdoor spaces, communication and information and community and health services.Practical implicationsIn order to enhance the QoL of older adults, it is suggested that outdoor spaces need to be enlarged by fully using the facilities and playgrounds of middle schools and renovating the older buildings. The locations of public transportation stations are recommended to be revised to be within a 5-minute walking distance of senior residents. Improvements to the social environment of AFCs, by increasing the coverage of medical services and creating multiple approaches to recreational activities, are encouraged.Originality/valueThese findings have empirical significance for urban planners and policy-makers in regard to identifying major components of AFCs and understanding the effect of those components on the QoL of older adults.

Key Age-Friendly Components of Municipalities that Foster Social Participation of Aging Canadians: Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

“…In line with other studies [13,34], age-friendly outdoor spaces and buildings facilitated the social participation of aging Canadians. Well-maintained, outdoor and walking environments enable older adults to move around in their community in a safe manner.…”

“…In fact, supporting older adults in staying active by enabling social participation and inclusion in community life is an essential component of public policies promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) [11]. In Canada, municipalities from all provinces and territories recognize the need for supportive environments 13 according to an age-friendly approach [12].…”

“…Although increasing the age-friendliness of municipalities is important, little is known about which characteristics of a municipality best foster social participation. According to a Chinese study of 1,383 aging adults (≥ 60 years old), clean and safe outdoor spaces, effective and helpful communication, and diverse and accessible community and health services were associated with more social support and activities [13]. In a smaller study of 171 older adults living in four Canadian cities (Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Victoria), greater age-friendliness was correlated with enhanced social participation and greater satisfaction with social relationships and support [14].…”

Assessment of Environmental Demands of Age-Friendly Communities from Perspectives of Different Residential Groups: A Case of Wuhan, China

“…A supportive physical environment becomes essential for older adults when they suffer from increased physical dysfunction and limited mobility [ 24 ]. Yu et al [ 15 ] argued that improving the physical environment can help reduce pedestrian hazards on the road, enhance perimeter accessibility, and encourage outdoor activities. Some countries have issued design guidelines, such as the Lifetime Homes Design Guide in the UK and Australia’s Livable Housing Design Guidelines, to provide a comfortable living environment for the aged [ 25 ].…”

“…In recent years, there have been multiple studies on the demand for community aged care services in China [ 13 ]. A series of papers have focused on the effect of the community environment on residents’ satisfaction and quality of life [ 14 , 15 ], and how to promote age-friendly e-participation in the digital era [ 16 ]. However, few studies have explored AFCs from the perspective of the demands of different groups.…”