Longitudinal Associations Between Neighborhood Environments and Functional Disabilities among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in China

Jia-Jia Zhou*, Shuai Zhou, Xinxin Cai, Jiemei Luo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the longitudinal associations between neighborhood environments and functional disabilities over time among older adults in China. Urban-rural disparities in these associations were examined in this study.
Methods
Data from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018) were analyzed, including a sample of 5,379 older adults aged 60 and over. Multilevel linear probability modeling was fitted to estimate the effects of neighborhood environments on functional disabilities, encompassing both incidence and rate of change over a 7-year period.
Results
Older adults residing in neighborhoods with superior infrastructure experienced a lower incidence of functional disabilities in both rural and urban areas. In urban communities, increased handicapped access was associated with a reduced risk of IADL disability onset among older adults (B = -0.013, SE = 0.006, p < 0.05). In rural villages, the presence of two or more bus lines was associated with a slower rate of IADL disablement over the 7-year period (B = -0.019, SE = 0.009, p < 0.05).
Discussion
This research reveals the prominent roles of neighborhood environments in protecting functional abilities among older adults. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating community policies and infrastructure development into public health considerations. Empirical evidence is provided for policymakers and urban planners aimed at enhancing functional abilities in older adults and mitigating urban-rural disparities in health outcomes.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournals of Gerontology - Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 15 Jan 2025

User-Defined Keywords

  • Environmental gerontology
  • Functional impairment
  • Basic infrastructure
  • Urban-rural differences
  • Multilevel modeling

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