Individual's perspective of local community environment and health indicators in older adults

Aim: This study evaluated the relationship between individual's perspective of local community environment and health in older people. Methods: A survey about quality of life in older adults in Spain was applied to a representative sample of 1106 community-dwelling people (mean age +/- SD = 72.07 +/- 7.83 years, 43.67% males). Local community (Community Wellbeing Index, neighborhood problems, time in the neighborhood), psychosocial and sociodemographic measures were considered. Four health outcomes (self-perceived health status, functional independence, depression and number of chronic medical conditions) were studied. Multivariate logistic analyses were carried out. Results: At least two local community measures were independently associated with each health outcome. Satisfaction with community services significantly contributed to all models; it was positively related with self-rated health and functional independence, and negatively associated with depression and chronic medical conditions. Conclusion: The individual's perspective of the local community environment was associated with health outcomes in older adults. This can be useful in the development of policies committed to promoting social integration and active aging in the community. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 130-138.