Date Presented 04/03/2025
This study examines how a health-focused lifestyle mediates the relationship between residential environment and quality of life among older adults, emphasizing key factors in health management.
Primary Author and Speaker: Lim Young-Myoung
PURPOSE: This study aims to empirically examine the mediating effect of a lifestyle geared towards health management on the relationship between residential environment suitability and quality of life among older adults. As the aging population increases, understanding the environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to quality of life is essential for effective health management.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with older adults to assess residential environment suitability (Livability), health management lifestyle (YLP-ABCD), and quality of life (WHO-QOL).
METHOD: Data were collected from 300 participants aged 65 and older. To analyze the data, we employed t-tests and one-way ANOVA to compare quality of life scores across demographic characteristics. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among the primary variables. Additionally, Hayes’ PROCESS MACRO Model 4 with bootstrapping was used to test for the mediating effect of a health management-oriented lifestyle.
RESULTS: The study found statistically significant positive correlations between livability, health management lifestyle, and quality of life. Livability showed a significant positive effect on health management lifestyle (F=93.14, P<.001), while the health management lifestyle acted as a mediator between livability and quality of life (F=250.48, P<.001). The mediation effect was statistically significant (B=.24, Bootstrap SE=.05, 95% CI=.15∼.35), indicating that lifestyle plays a critical role in enhancing quality of life through improved livability.
CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the need to foster livable environments and promote a health-oriented lifestyle to improve quality of life in older adults. Interventions targeting both environmental and lifestyle enhancements can significantly benefit aging populations, providing actionable strategies for public health initiatives.
References
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Laddu, D., Paluch, A. E., & LaMonte, M. J. (2021). The role of the built environment in promoting movement and physical activity across the lifespan: Implications for public health. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 64, 33–40.
Alidoust, S. (2022). Planning healthy and livable cities. In The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Futures (pp. 1–5). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
World Health Organization. (2018). The global network for age-friendly cities and communities: Looking back over the last decade, looking forward to the next (No. WHO/FWC/ALC/18.4). World Health Organization.
