The role of community environments in older adults' intergenerational and peer social interactions

Abstract

Intergenerational communities are important for facilitating social interactions across different generations and supporting aging in place. This study explores ways of measuring intergenerational communities in terms of their social and physical environments, as well as investigates personal and environmental predictors of older adults' intergenerational and peer interactions in the neighborhood. We analyzed cross-sectional survey data from 455 Austin residents 65 years or older and objective measures of their community environments. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to investigate correlates of older adults' weekly interactions with others in four different age groups (children, younger generations, other older adults, and people of all ages). Significant correlates represented three domains: personal characteristics, social environments, and physical environments. Our findings further suggested differences in the predictors of intergenerational vs. peer interactions among older adults. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the significant roles of community environments in promoting older adults' intergenerational and other social interactions. Continued efforts are needed to better understand the full range of social and physical environmental supports to promote intergenerational interactions, which can contribute to promoting healthy living for people of all ages and reducing intergenerational conflicts.