Association of age-friendly communities with health and well-being among older adults: an ecological and multilevel analysis from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study

Abstract

AbstractWe examined the association of age-friendly communities with health and well-being among older adults in Japan. Ecological and multilevel analyses of 71,824 older adults across 145 communities revealed that the community’s age-friendliness consistently showed associations with health and well-being. Age-friendly physical environments (accessibility to barrier-free outdoor spaces, buildings, and transportation resources) exhibited an inverse association with functional health deficits. Social engagement and communication (participation in community groups, volunteer engagement, and information use) were inversely associated with depressive symptoms. Social inclusion and dementia-friendliness (respect and inclusion for older adults and positive attitudes toward people with dementia) were positively associated with happiness. The community’s age-friendliness reflected well the multiple aspects of older adults’ health and well-being.