Geographical life-space and subjective wellbeing in later life

Life-space mobility among community-dwelling older persons: A scoping review

To describe and analyze the current research status of life-space mobility of the older persons in community. The literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, EBSCOhost, Scopus, OpenGrey, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases was computer searched, and the time frame was build to May 23, 2023. A total of 42 literatures were included, including 35 in English and 7 in Chinese, 30 of which were cross-sectional studies. Theoretical models related to spatial mobility included the "concentric circles" model and the "cone" model. 33 literatures reported the prevalence or level of spatial mobility limitations, and 9 assessment instruments were used, The influencing factors can be divided into four categories. 9 literatures reported on the adverse effects, and 9 literatures reported on the prevention and intervention. The limitation of life-space mobility is a common and under-recognized phenomenon among the older persons in the community,with serious adverse effects, complex and diverse influencing factors.

Neighborhood greenspace and neighborhood income associated with white matter grade worsening: Cardiovascular Health Study

INTRODUCTION

We examined whether a combined measure of neighborhood greenspace and neighborhood median income was associated with white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and ventricle size changes.

METHODS

The sample included 1260 cognitively normal ≥ 65-year-olds with two magnetic resonance images (MRI; ≈ 5 years apart). WMH and ventricular size were graded from 0 (least) to 9 (most) abnormal (worsening = increase of ≥1 grade from initial to follow-up MRI scans). The four-category neighborhood greenspace-income measure was based on median neighborhood greenspace and income values at initial MRI. Multivariable logistic regression tested associations between neighborhood greenspace-income and MRI measures (worsening vs. not).

RESULTS

White matter grade worsening was more likely for those in lower greenspace-lower income neighborhoods than higher greenspace-higher income neighborhoods (odds ratio = 1.73; 95% confidence interval = 1.19-2.51).

DISCUSSION

The combination of lower neighborhood income and lower greenspace may be a risk factor for worsening white matter grade on MRI. However, findings need to be replicated in more diverse cohorts.

HIGHLIGHTS

Population-based cohort of older adults (≥ 65 years) with greenspace and MRI dataCombined measure of neighborhood greenspace and neighborhood income at initial MRIMRI outcomes included white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and ventricular sizeLongitudinal change in MRI outcomes measured approximately 5 years apartWorsening WMH over time more likely for lower greenspace-lower income neighborhoods.

Comparison of static and dynamic exposures to air pollution, noise, and greenness among seniors living in compact-city environments

GPS technology and tracking study designs have gained popularity as a tool to go beyond the limitations of static exposure assessments based on the subject's residence. These dynamic exposure assessment methods offer high potential upside in terms of accuracy but also disadvantages in terms of cost, sample sizes, and types of data generated. Because of that, with our study we aim to understand in which cases researchers need to use GPS-based methods to guarantee the necessary accuracy in exposure assessment. With a sample of 113 seniors living in Barcelona (Spain) we compare their estimated daily exposures to air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, NO2), noise (dB), and greenness (NDVI) using static and dynamic exposure assessment techniques. Results indicate that significant differences between static and dynamic exposure assessments are only present in selected exposures, and would thus suggest that static assessments using the place of residence would provide accurate-enough values across a number of exposures in the case of seniors. Our models for Barcelona's seniors suggest that dynamic exposure would only be required in the case of exposure to smaller particulate matter (PM2.5) and exposure to noise levels. The study signals to the need to consider both the mobility patterns and the built environment context when deciding between static or dynamic measures of exposure assessment.

What triggers selective daily mobility among older adults? A study comparing trip and environmental characteristics between observed path and shortest path

Interest is growing in neighborhood effects on health beyond individual's home locations. However, few studies accounted for selective daily mobility bias. Selective mobility of 470 older adults (aged 67-94) living in urban and suburban areas of Luxembourg, was measured through detour percentage between their observed GPS-based paths and their shortest paths. Multilevel negative binomial regression tested associations between detour percentage, trips characteristics and environmental exposures. Detour percentage was higher for walking trips (28%) than car trips (16%). Low-speed areas and connectivity differences between observed and shortest paths vary by transport mode, indicating a potential selective daily mobility bias. The positive effects of amenities, street connectivity, low-speed areas and greenness on walking detour reinforce the existing evidence on older adults' active transportation. Urban planning interventions favoring active transportation will also promote walking trips with longer detours, helping older adults to increase their physical activity levels and ultimately promote healthy aging.

'We may be long in the tooth, but it makes us tough': exploring stillness for older adults during the COVID-19 lockdowns

Following the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 across the world in 2020, millions of people were reduced in their mobility to hinder the spread of the disease. The lockdown was particularly difficult for older adults, who were deemed 'vulnerable' because many felt unsafe leaving the house and often forced to self-isolate. In this paper, we interpret the lockdowns as a period of prolonged stillness: breaks from everyday practices, including withdrawnness, inefficiency, and retreat. We extend ideas of stillness by integrating the capability approach, which shows how the opportunities and challenges that arise from moments of stillness are dependent on a combination of individual agency and the role of structural or contextual factors. Using the accounts of thirty-eight older adults in the Netherlands and England, we show how the COVID-19 lockdowns established and encouraged different types of stillness which had differing impacts upon the older adults' lives. The effect of the prolonged stillness on these different areas of everyday life is based on individual agency and contextual factors, such as choosing to volunteer or having an adequate internet connection. Thus, our findings contribute to discussions around active ageing and demonstrate that slowing down, and spending more time at home, can provide respite from an otherwise active everyday life.