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The Enigma of Gender Differences in an Environment-Behavior-Health Model of Elderly People: The Choice Between Individually and Sociality

Author

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  • Zhenhua Zheng

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China)

  • Junling Gao

    (School of Public Health, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China)

  • Ye Yang

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China)

Abstract

Gender difference in the health of elderly people has become an important perspective to consider when studying their health. However, the gender differences in terms of “environment–behavior–health” from the social ecology perspective remain unknown. On the basis of survey data from Shanghai, China, including 2839 samples, this study explored the gender differences of outdoor environment–behavior–activity ability in elderly people from two aspects of the mean value of variables and the path relationship, utilizing the structural equation model analysis method combined with social ecology theory. The results showed that, at the level of the mean of variables, the elderly males had significantly higher mean values than the females in terms of individual behaviors, but had significantly lower values in terms of social behaviors. At the level of path relationships, there were similarities in that the health of elderly males was more likely to be affected by individual factors, whereas that of the females was more effected by social factors. Through the great positive effect of the high-level social behaviors, the health of the elderly females was progressively promoted. The study provided some useful insights for future research, aiming at promoting gender-sensitive urban design.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhenhua Zheng & Junling Gao & Ye Yang, 2020. "The Enigma of Gender Differences in an Environment-Behavior-Health Model of Elderly People: The Choice Between Individually and Sociality," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:10:p:3483-:d:359101
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pei-Chun Chen & Janet M. Wilmoth, 2004. "The Effects of Residential Mobility on ADL and IADL Limitations Among the Very Old Living in the Community," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 59(3), pages 164-172.
    2. Zhenhua Zheng & Liu (Lydia) Yang, 2019. "Neighborhood Environment, Lifestyle, and Health of Older Adults: Comparison of Age Groups Based on Ecological Model of Aging," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-16, April.
    3. Zhenhua Zheng & Hong Chen & Liu Yang, 2019. "Transfer of Promotion Effects on Elderly Health with Age: From Physical Environment to Interpersonal Environment and Social Participation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-15, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhenhua Zheng & Hong Chen, 2021. "The Relationship among Community Environment, Behavior, Activity Ability, and Self-Rated Health of Older Adults: A Hierarchical and Multi-Dimensional Comparative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-12, July.
    2. Zhenhua Zheng & Hong Chen & Junling Gao, 2021. "Age Differences in the Influence of Residential Environment and Behavior on the Life Quality of Older Adults: The Transfer from Physical-Environment to Social-Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Qinyuan Wan & Wencui Du, 2022. "Social Capital, Environmental Knowledge, and Pro-Environmental Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-17, January.

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