The importance of urban environments in aging processes
The emphasis on the advantages and benefits of aging in one's place of residence has been heard for a long time. Studies on this topic point to the beneficial impact, in terms of independence and well-being, of older adults remaining in their family environment for as long as possible. At the same time, and with regard to urban spaces, we are aware of the multitude of problems that city life entails.
Without dwelling on major challenges such as rising housing costs and a lack of housing opportunities, or social segregation, which by their very nature would require extensive and in-depth reflection, there is another set of drawbacks, such as the enormous volume of motorized traffic, air pollution, and the quality of urban layouts, which sometimes lead some to question whether the principle of aging in one's place of residence holds true in the case of cities (for example, Smedley, 2012), especially larger ones, compared to locations that are, in principle, more suitable and healthier for older people. We will return to this point shortly.
Environment and social relationships with a gender focus
Studies on aging in residential settings, on the other hand, highlight the importance of socialization and meaningful connections among older adults. This aligns with urban research that emphasizes the presence of such connections among residents of certain neighborhoods, particularly among older individuals, and especially among women. These ties often foster relationships, encounters, and shared experiences with remarkably positive effects on their daily lives and, simultaneously, contribute to consolidating identities linked to the local space where they spend a significant portion of their time.
Therefore, remaining in a familiar place and continuing to be part of a community that knows and values older adults, and where neighborhood ties are a source of solidarity and sociability, has many positive effects, to the point that it can be key to better health and greater social integration . In fact, given the heterogeneous nature of aging processes, it is evident that the well-being of older adults depends on multiple factors (Agulló et al., 2019; World Health Organization, 2020), among which, in addition to lifestyle, the environment in which they live stands out.
Links and connections are established between people and places that provide quality of life and well-being in old age.
While it is true that many of the relationships that people used to establish in their neighborhoods have now been lost, it is also possible to see how, in some cases, they still maintain them and give them significant value, especially when life has taken place in those neighborhoods for a long time, contributing to forging knowledge and practical experience capable of generating intense ties with the area of residence , as is the case with older women.
As has been evident for some time now, the experiences and uses of urban space differ for women and men (McDowell, 1983; Durán, 2017), as a result of urban design and planning decisions that have traditionally ignored their needs, trajectories, and itineraries. However, this same gender perspective is particularly useful for understanding the importance of aging in one's place of residence, because despite the difficulties, the social space of the neighborhood plays a fundamental role in the lives of many older women who find in this environment the opportunity to interact spontaneously and, therefore, develop networks of relationships that provide practical and emotional support in times of need (Sánchez de Madariaga, 2004; Gómez and Lebrusán, 2022).
'Wise Women of Sant Cosme': community participation and neighborhood struggle
The environment as a determining factor in the quality of life in old age
If we return to the initial reflection on the question raised by some voices regarding the potential unsuitability of urban spaces as settings for the aging of older people, it is important to emphasize that for life in neighborhoods to offer all the advantages mentioned, it is necessary to have adequate spaces that not only encourage neighborhood gatherings and foster intergenerational relationships and the opportunity to build connections in the neighborhood , but also constitute healthy and beneficial environments . In other words, links and connections are established between people and places that provide quality of life and well-being in old age (e.g., Herbert, 2020), but for this to be feasible, these places must meet certain conditions . If the physical and spatial environment is important throughout life, it is even more crucial in old age, not only influencing the course of our aging but also, to a large extent, how we respond to illnesses (Rojo et al., 2020), as the World Health Organization (2002) confirms.
Cities must be prepared to meet the needs of a growing number of elderly people and guarantee them a good quality of life.
Some research has shown that even in frail situations, older adults are able to maintain their independence and autonomy when they live in a familiar and comfortable environment. As Lebrusán (2019) demonstrates, an accessible, safe environment where older adults feel comfortable reinforces their autonomy and improves their well-being in later life. Thus, even in states of relative frailty, they are able to remain independent, benefiting from familiar and frequented environments that prolong their ability to carry out their activities and routines. Similarly, from the opposite perspective, research indicates that disorders such as depression or anxiety occur more frequently when the environment in which they live does not foster socialization due to a lack of public spaces, parks, or gardens (Pozo et al., 2021).
Dr. Irene Lebrusán Murillo
The benefits of green spaces for physical and mental health
Regarding the specific importance of the benefits of parks and green spaces in urban areas , numerous voices emphasize their ability to improve both physical and mental health. The World Health Organization (2016), in fact, stresses their positive and protective effect on health and highlights their essential nature due to the wide range of benefits they provide, but especially in terms of physical and emotional well-being ; an effect that is particularly important for older adults in urban environments, as they offer opportunities to walk outdoors and interact with neighbors.
Thus, some studies in this field have highlighted the significant association between the proximity and availability of green spaces and mental health , and even the slowing of cognitive decline in the elderly population (De Keijzer et al., 2020). On the same physical level, other issues that require attention in urban spaces relate to the need to avoid accessibility barriers such as curbs or steps, to ensure the condition of pavements (without holes or broken tiles), and to incorporate support elements such as handrails, so as to avoid significant disruptions to the daily routines of older adults (Pozo et al., 2021).
Some studies associate the availability of green spaces with mental health and with slowing cognitive decline in older people.
In summary, it can be stated that, in the urban context, aging in the place of residence, a key component in prolonging the well-being of older people, is therefore complemented by a whole set of essential elements to maximize its advantages , among which the following are important:
- The presence of suitable spaces for exchange, inclusion and socialization , which enhance the connection and identification with the neighborhood.
- An abundant network of green areas with easy and convenient access via safe routes.
All of this underscores the political importance of addressing the need to guarantee enabling and supportive urban environments to achieve the highest possible level of well-being for older people, as has been evident internationally for some time. In other words, cities must be prepared to meet the needs of a growing number of older people and ensure their quality of life by providing adequate and appropriate spaces and healthy environments in their neighborhoods that promote communication and sociability during this stage of life (Gómez and Lebrusán, 2022).
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