| By: |
Elena Pirani (Dipartimento di Statistica, Informatica, Applicazioni "G. Parenti", Università di Firenze);
Maria Veronica Dorgali (Dipartimento di Statistica, Informatica, Applicazioni "G. Parenti", Università di Firenze);
Valentina Tocchioni (Dipartimento di Statistica, Informatica, Applicazioni "G. Parenti", Università di Firenze);
Alessandra Petrucci (Dipartimento di Statistica, Informatica, Applicazioni "G. Parenti", Università di Firenze) |
| Abstract: |
In this study, we contribute to the growing, albeit still limited, body of
research on the importance of the living environment for individual
well-being, focusing on the population aged 65 and over in Italy. We explore
life satisfaction, a cognitive component of an individual’s well-being that
may help evaluate individuals’ ability to adapt to life changes and
challenges of ageing. We investigate various aspects of the living
environment, both the indoor characteristics of the housing – its quality
and adequacy – and the outdoor features of the immediate neighbourhood
environment – its liveability and accessibility. The study provides robust
evidence that adequate housing conditions might positively influence the life
satisfaction of Italian older adults. Besides, we found that aspects relative
to the living environment – namely area friendliness, its maintenance and
(absence of) pollution, and the ease of access to shops and services are
valuable for a satisfying life. Importantly, whether an inevitable overlap
between these characteristics may exist, both housing and neighbourhood living
conditions, in their various facets, exert a separate, specific, and
substantial role in life satisfaction. Our results might inform city planning
interventions about the advantages of creating friendly communities and
well-designed urban spaces to support active ageing. |
| Keywords: |
living environment, well-being, older adults, composite indicators, Italy |
| JEL: |
I31 |
| Date: |
2024–07 |
| URL: |
https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fir:econom:wp2024_06 |