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Ageing Well in Small Villages: What Keeps Older Adults Happy? Environmental Indicators of Residential Satisfaction in Four Dutch Villages

Author

Listed:
  • Nienke J. A. Moor

    (Research Group Architecture in Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, 6846 CC Arnhem, The Netherlands)

  • Kim Hamers

    (Research Group Architecture in Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, 6846 CC Arnhem, The Netherlands)

  • Masi Mohammadi

    (Research Group Architecture in Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, 6846 CC Arnhem, The Netherlands
    Smart Architectural Technologies, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5644 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the existing literature about liveability in rural areas by explicitly focusing on the level of residential satisfaction of older adults (55+) in four small Dutch villages. We strive not only to identify the key indicators of residential satisfaction among older villagers but also to better understand how these indicators affect their (daily) life. Moreover, in line with the person–environment fit tradition, we differentiate according to the capabilities and vulnerabilities of older villagers. To this end, we use a mixed-method approach, in which we combine survey data with qualitative data collected with photovoice in the four villages. The findings indicate that older adults’ perceptions of spatial, social and functional aspects of the living environment are related to the degree of residential satisfaction overall. However, these perceptions appear to be strongly intertwined, especially perceptions about spatial characteristics, local identity and connectedness. Older adults who are hindered by health problems in undertaking daily activities experience a lower level of person–environment fit, which is reflected in a lower level of residential satisfaction. However, this relationship between subjective health and residential satisfaction can only be partially explained by different perceptions of the spatial, social and functional environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Nienke J. A. Moor & Kim Hamers & Masi Mohammadi, 2022. "Ageing Well in Small Villages: What Keeps Older Adults Happy? Environmental Indicators of Residential Satisfaction in Four Dutch Villages," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3922-:d:779500
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Lisanne Bergefurt & Astrid Kemperman & Pauline van den Berg & Aloys Borgers & Peter van der Waerden & Gert Oosterhuis & Marco Hommel, 2019. "Loneliness and Life Satisfaction Explained by Public-Space Use and Mobility Patterns," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Anna P. Nieboer & Jane M. Cramm, 2018. "Age-Friendly Communities Matter for Older People’s Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(8), pages 2405-2420, December.
    4. Talja Blokland & Julia Nast, 2014. "From Public Familiarity to Comfort Zone: The Relevance of Absent Ties for Belonging in Berlin's Mixed Neighbourhoods," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 1142-1159, July.
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