Associations between the physical and social urban environment and older adults’ mental health–a scoping review of reviews

Noortje Jacobs; Anthony Walsh; Nele Pauwels; Amber Van Puyvelde; Delfien Van Dyck; Jenny Veitch; Megan Teychenne; Jelle Van Cauwenberg; Benedicte Deforche

doi:10.1093/geront/gnag105

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Associations between the physical and social urban environment and older adults’ mental health–a scoping review of reviews

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Associations between the physical and social urban environment and older adults’ mental health–a scoping review of reviews

Noortje Jacobs, Anthony Walsh, Nele Pauwels, Amber Van Puyvelde, Delfien Van Dyck, Jenny Veitch, Megan Teychenne, Jelle Van Cauwenberg and Benedicte Deforche

The Gerontologist, Vol.Advanced access

12-May-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnag105

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Abstract

cities

population ageing

wellbeing

neighborhood planning and design

Background and Objectives As populations age and urbanization accelerates, understanding how urban environments influence older adults’ mental health is crucial. Due to declining physical abilities, older adults rely heavily on their surroundings, giving urban environments significant public health potential. Research Design and Methods This scoping review synthesized empirical evidence on associations between urban environmental characteristics and mental health among older adults. A review of reviews was conducted using six electronic databases, targeting peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2000 and 2024. Results Out of 16,449 identified articles, 43 met inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis revealed eight overarching topics. Five related to the physical environment: (1) access to and/or availability of functional services and amenities, (2) access to and/or availability of natural and recreational spaces, (3) air and water quality, and noise, (4) mobility and streetscape infrastructure, and (5) aesthetics. Three related to the social environment: (1) civic engagement, (2) neighborhood adversity, and (3) social inclusion and non-discrimination. Key research gaps included a lack of research in underrepresented regions and among older adults from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as inconsistent definitions of ‘older adults’. Discussion and Implications These findings provide valuable insights for future research, interventions, and urban planning efforts aimed at promoting mental health among older adults.

Details

Title: Associations between the physical and social urban environment and older adults’ mental health–a scoping review of reviews
Authors: Noortje Jacobs (Corresponding Author) - Deakin University
Anthony Walsh - Deakin University
Nele Pauwels - Ghent University
Amber Van Puyvelde - Deakin University
Delfien Van Dyck - Ghent University
Jenny Veitch - Deakin University
Megan Teychenne - Deakin University
Jelle Van Cauwenberg - Université Libre de Bruxelles
Benedicte Deforche - Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Publication details: The Gerontologist, Vol.Advanced access
Publisher: Oxford University Press
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnag105
ISSN: 1758-5341
Grants: Informing the development and real-world translation of a home-based physical activity intervention for improving postnatal mental health, 1195335, National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia, Canberra) - NHMRC
Grant note: This work was supported by Ghent university - Special Research Fund and Research Foundation Flanders (respectively BOF/24J/2021/166 and 3G068519 to NJ and AVP). This work was supported by a senior postdoctoral fellowship of the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, 12I1120N to JVC).
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991228953702621
Output Type: Journal article

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