Housing Conditions, Neighbourhood Environment and Life Satisfaction in Old Age

Maria Veronica Dorgali , University of Florence
Elena Pirani, Florence University
Valentina Tocchioni, Università di Firenze
Alessandra Petrucci, Università di Firenze

Housing features and living environment have been increasingly recognized crucial aspects to enhance individual well-being. Housing is not just a physical structure, but a fundamental aspect in providing shelter, security and a sense of belonging for individuals. Besides, characteristics of the neighbourhood environment may affect individuals’ sense of security, place of attachment and identity, social isolation feelings, and finally their well-being. The relationship between living environment and well-being may become especially important in old age, due to the increased vulnerability of older adults to environmental challenges. In this paper, we explore the relationship between living environment – in terms of both dwelling and immediate neighbourhood characteristics – and life satisfaction, as a comprehensive indicator of individuals’ overall well-being. Relying on the ISTAT surveys Aspects of Daily Life from 2013 to 2021, we focus on the Italian context, rarely considered in the literature, considering the old population (aged 65 and over). Our results confirm that residential stability and affordability are crucial for the old people’s life satisfaction, and add housing quality and size as relevant factors in this relationship. We also provide fresh evidence, new for the Italian context, highlighting the significance of neighbourhood environment: for older individuals, who may face mobility challenges during this stage of life, easy accessibility and the presence of friendly and well-maintained neighbourhoods seem to be crucial. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of creating and maintaining supportive living environments that promote well-being for individuals and communities, especially in the growing ageing European societies.

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 Presented in Session 1. Health, Wellbeing and Morbidity in Old Age