SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF NEIGHBORHOOD PERCEPTIONS AND BRAIN HEALTH
2024

Neighborhood Perceptions and Brain Health in Older Adults

Sample size: 32 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Heuer Sierra, Besser Lilah, Dominguez Briana, Huynh Stephanie, Le Bao Ngoc, Nguyen Boi-san, Pham Jason, Meyer Oanh

Primary Institution: University of California, Davis

Hypothesis

How do older adults perceive their neighborhoods in relation to brain health?

Conclusion

Older adults' perceptions of their neighborhoods highlight important social and environmental factors that may influence brain health.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults reported that accessibility to public spaces is important for their community engagement.
  • Participants emphasized the significance of green spaces for their well-being.
  • The study identified themes of neighborhood awareness and social cohesion among older adults.
  • Stereotypes and segregation were noted as concerns affecting neighborhood perceptions.

Takeaway

This study asked older people about their neighborhoods and found that things like parks and community activities are important for their brain health.

Methodology

Participants were recruited for semi-structured interviews conducted over Zoom or telephone, focusing on their neighborhood perceptions.

Participant Demographics

62.5% female, 59.4% non-Hispanic White, 40.6% Black/African American, mean age 79.0 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4257

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