Sustainable city

Sustainable city

Identification and Evaluation of Key Built Environment Indicators on the Mental Health of Older Adults in Metropolitan Areas: A case study of Shiraz city

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of Architecture, Zarand Higher Education Complex, Zarand, Iran
2 Department of Urban Planning, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis, Iran
3 Department of Architectural Engineering, Landscape Design Orientation, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Restoration and Conservation, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
10.22034/jsc.2025.528574.1851
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
Amid the escalating challenges posed by aging populations, the influence of the built environment on mental health has received increasing scholarly attention. Extensive research has underscored the significance of the interplay between the built environment and the mental health of older adults. However, to date, no study has systematically identified the key built environment indicators that influence the mental health of older adults in Shiraz, Iran. This study seeks to identify and evaluate the primary built environment factors shaping mental health outcomes in this population. Fuzzy cognitive mapping, implemented through Mental Modeler software, was employed to examine the interrelationships among these indicators. Phi coefficient analysis elucidated the associations between built environment indicators and mental health across genders, while independent t-tests in SPSS were employed to compare mental health levels between male and female participants. The results indicated that housing quality, perceived safety, and access to green space infrastructure are pivotal determinants of mental health among older adults in Shiraz. A direct positive correlation was observed between the built environment and mental health, with the association notably stronger among female participants. Additionally, female participants reported higher overall levels of mental well-being compared to their male counterparts. This study enhances understanding of how the built environment shapes the mental well-being of older adults, offering findings with practical implications for urban planning and public health policy. Integrating subjective perceptions with objective assessments provides a more comprehensive understanding of the current context and can inform evidence-based strategies for optimizing mental health outcomes among older adults.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The global population is aging at an unprecedented pace, necessitating the adaptation of urban environments to the evolving needs of older adults. Global demographic projections estimate that by 2050, approximately 2.1 billion individuals will be aged 60 and above, representing a twofold increase compared to 2017. This demographic transition carries profound implications for public health, with particular significance for mental health outcomes. Urban planning plays a pivotal role in shaping the physical environment, which, in turn, influences the mental well-being of older adults. A nuanced understanding of how built environment characteristics shape mental health outcomes among older adults is essential for informing the design of age-friendly urban spaces.
This study aims to identify and evaluate the principal built environment indicators influencing the mental well-being of older adults in Shiraz, Iran. The central research question guiding this study is: Which built environment indicators exert the most significant influence on the mental well-being of older adults in Shiraz? Analyzing these factors contributes to advancing scholarship on sustainable urban development and the promotion of healthy aging.
 
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive–analytical design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Data were obtained through expert evaluations and structured surveys of older adults, and subsequent statistical analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between built environment variables and mental health outcomes. A total of 20 key built environment indicators were identified through an extensive literature review complemented by expert consultations. These indicators were validated through fuzzy cognitive mapping using Mental Modeler software, facilitating the visualization of causal linkages and interdependencies among the selected variables.
Participants’ mental health status was assessed using the validated 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). A sample of 384 older adults was determined using Cochran’s formula, and the questionnaires were randomly administered in high-traffic community locations, including parks, senior centers, mosques, and local markets. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, with Phi correlation tests and one-sample t-tests employed to evaluate the strength of associations between built environment variables and overall mental well-being.
 
Results and Discussion
The findings indicate that multiple built environment features exert a significant influence on the mental well-being of older adults. Among the 20 examined indicators, housing quality emerged as the most critical factor (centrality score: 7.97), followed by neighborhood safety (7.81) and housing accessibility (7.68). These findings underscore the necessity of designing residential environments that are safe, affordable, and accessible for older adults.
Furthermore, access to green spaces exhibited a strong positive correlation with self-reported mental well-being, consistent with prior research highlighting the restorative effects of natural environments on older adults. Statistical analyses confirmed a significant association between perceived built environment characteristics and mental health outcomes, with findings suggesting that female participants are more sensitive to environmental conditions. The Phi coefficient test revealed a strong association (0.78), particularly among female participants. One-sample t-tests further demonstrated a significant difference in mental well-being scores between male and female participants, with men exhibiting lower average scores (22.46) compared to women (18.11). These results emphasize the importance of implementing gender-sensitive interventions in urban planning.
Other influential indicators comprised acoustic comfort, lighting quality, street and pedestrian pathway design, access to local shops and services, and the availability of recreational facilities. These findings are consistent with prior studies emphasizing the role of walkable neighborhoods, noise mitigation, and well-maintained infrastructure in fostering active lifestyles and reducing stress among older adults.
Fuzzy cognitive mapping further revealed intricate interdependencies among the environmental indicators. For instance, housing quality emerged as a highly influential factor (influence score: 6.24) while also exhibiting moderate dependency on other factors (dependency score: 1.73), underscoring its central position within the system. Neighborhood safety likewise demonstrated a high influence score (5.21), corroborating that secure environments directly facilitate the mobility and social engagement of older adults.
 
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of integrating mental health considerations into urban planning and design to foster age-friendly environments. Key recommendations include enhancing housing quality and affordability, strengthening neighborhood safety, expanding access to green and recreational spaces, and developing inclusive public infrastructure tailored to the needs of older adults.
A primary limitation of this study is its reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases arising from participants’ subjective perceptions. Future research should integrate objective environmental measures—such as air quality indices, noise levels, and spatial accessibility metrics—to complement survey data and yield a more comprehensive understanding of how environmental factors influence mental well-being.
Moreover, the observed gender disparities in mental well-being outcomes warrant further investigation. Qualitative research employing in-depth interviews with older male participants could elucidate the cultural, social, and psychological barriers contributing to lower well-being in this population.
In summary, this study provides critical insights into the relationship between the built environment and the mental well-being of older adults. By identifying key environmental indicators and evaluating their relative significance, the study offers practical guidance for policymakers, urban planners, and public health practitioners. Designing urban environments that support the mental well-being of older adults is essential not only for promoting healthy aging but also for fostering inclusive and sustainable cities for future generations.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.
Keywords

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