Intergenerational Communities: The Role of Neighborhood Environments in Older Adults’ Social Interactions and Walking Behavior

Abstract

Background: Demographic aging has brought serious economic and health challenges. The population aged 65 and over in the US is estimated to almost double from 47.6 million in 2015 to 86.5 million in 2050. Aging in place is an increasingly popular concept being proposed in response to these challenges and trends. As aging takes place within one’s physical and social contexts, interdependence and intergenerational solidarity are particularly important for supporting aging in place, promoting active lifestyles in old age, and reducing ageism, loneliness, and social isolation. Walking is one of the most popular and accessible forms of physical activity that can bring significant physical and psychosocial health benefits to older adults.

Aims: This research aims to explore social and environmental approaches to creating intergenerational communities with the goal of promoting social interactions and walking among older adults.

Methods: The cross-sectional study recruited 455 adults aged 65 or older in Austin, Texas to investigate the associations among intergenerational communities, intergenerational interactions, and walking among older adults. A paper or online survey taking approximately 30 minutes was used to capture personal, social, and perceived environmental variables. The Geographic Information System was used to measure objective environmental variables utilizing existing geo-spatial data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to examine the relationships among the study variables.

Results: The study identified measurable features of an intergenerational community in terms of its neighborhood attributes related to social environments, physical environments, and neighborhood age composition. Further, it illustrated significant environmental correlates of intergenerational interactions and walking as well as the significant associations between intergenerational interactions and walking among older adults.

Conclusion: This dissertation research provides empirical evidence and strategies toward developing policy and environmental interventions that can be applied to designing intergenerational communities and to retrofitting existing communities to become more age-friendly. Given the significant health benefits of social and physical activities for older adults and other generations, continued efforts by policymakers, researchers, and practitioners are needed to investigate the full range of environmental facilitators as well as barriers to creating intergenerational communities that can support active and healthy living for all generations.