The effects of residential segregation on cognition among U.S. older adults: a systematic review based on the social determinants of health model

Abstract

Objectives This systematic review aims to advance the understanding of the complicated effects of segregation on older adults’ cognition and provide guidance for future research. Method A systematic review using the Social Determinants of Health framework to examine the relationship between segregation and cognition across the selected literature. Results Eight papers met the criteria for inclusion. All selected studies examined the influence of living in a segregated area on older adults’ cognition, covering older adults from different racial/ethnic groups. The association between segregation and cognition was found in different directions across different racial/ethnic groups. The effects can be varied depending on race/ethnicity, level of education, neighborhood socioeconomic status, or social context. Conclusion This review identified existing gaps in understanding the relationship between segregation and cognition. Future studies should carefully adopt the segregation measures, acknowledge the varying segregation experience among different racial/ethnic groups, and consider more social determinant factors in research.