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Supporting housing and neighbourhoods for healthy ageing: Findings from the H ousing and I ndependent L iving S tudy ( HAIL )
Author(s) -
Byles Julie E,
Mackenzie Lynette,
Redman Sally,
Parkinson Lynne,
Leigh Lucy,
Curryer Cassie
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00646.x
Subject(s) - neighbourhood (mathematics) , gerontology , psychology , coping (psychology) , nursing homes , older people , medicine , clinical psychology , nursing , mathematical analysis , mathematics
Aim To identify the extent to which homes and neighbourhoods of older community‐dwelling people are ‘supportive’. Method Cross‐sectional survey, in‐home observation and interviews involving 202 participants (75–79 years). Measures included SF ‐36 health‐related quality of life and L ate L ife F unction and D isability I nstrument ( LLFDI ) scores, and self‐reported home usability, access, safety and neighbourhood. Associations between home and neighbourhood characteristics were assessed using χ 2 ‐tests, t ‐tests and Pearson correlations. Results Older people rated neighbourhood satisfaction highly (3.0 men, 3.2 women; 4 being the highest score). Many homes failed objective adaptability and safety ratings, particularly bathrooms (80% did not have a shower grab rail, 77% did not have non‐slip floors); 27% of homes scored ≥ 8 of 25 possible hazards. There were significant correlations between perceptions of housing and neighbourhood and SF ‐36 and disability scores. Conclusion Many homes and neighbourhoods may not accommodate increased frailty or disability of older people into the future.