SOCIAL PLACES: SHIFTING NEIGHBORHOOD PERCEPTIONS AMONG AGING AMERICANS DURING COVID-19. (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meltzer, Gabriella; O'Shea, Brendan; Esposito, Michael; Kobayashi, Lindsay; Westrick, Ashly; Finlay, Jessica
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 6(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 301
• Page End: 301
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.1191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines individual and community factors related to older adults' perceived losses in places to socialize with people of similar and different ages in their neighborhoods during COVID-19. In the 11-month wave of the COVID-19 Coping Study from March-April 2021, responses to perceived availability were "Less, " "About the Same, " or "More." Most respondents reported less availability in places to socialize with those of similar (68.0%) or different (68.4%) ages. Ordinal logistic regressions showed respondents who lived alone perceived less availability in places to socialize with those of similar or different ages than those living with others (ORs 0.67, 95% CI 0.47, 0.97). Those living in metropolitan compared to non-metropolitan areas also perceived less availability in places to socialize with those of similar ages (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39, 0.98). These findings enhance our understanding of COVID-19-related losses in community resources that facilitate healthy aging in place.