Yu, J; Ma, G; Ding, W; Mao, J and Wang, J (2022) Structural model for the relationships between age-friendly communities and quality of life of older adults in hefei, China. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(3), pp. 1376-1395. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: China 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/approach: A 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. Findings: Six 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 implications: In 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/value: These 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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | age-friendly community; older adults; quality of life; structural equation modeling |
| Index terms: | planner, statistical method, correlation analysis, urbanization, integrated model, health service, reliability analysis, China, housing, public transportation, methodology, ageing society, questionnaire, structural equation modelling, health and wellbeing, quality of life, survey |
| Subjects: | analytical methods, urban planning, reliability engineering, mental health and wellbeing, data collection methods, profession, construction type, statistical analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, demography, Geography, research methods, public and environmental health |
| Topics: | Urban Studies, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Health and Safety, Construction Technology, Governance, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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