Racial Differences in Neighborhood Environmental Effects on Loneliness Among Older Adults

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between neighborhood environment and loneliness among older adults of three racial groups: White, Black, and Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaskan Native (AA & NHPIs). Data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project 2015–2016 Wave 3 is analyzed using multiple linear regression for each group, with seemingly unrelated estimation used to assess differences between models. Findings indicate that higher neighborhood cohesion is linked to lower loneliness levels for Whites and Blacks, while higher perceived neighborhood danger correlates with increased loneliness for AA & NHPIs. The effect of cohesion is stronger for Blacks compared to the other groups, and the impact of neighborhood danger is greater for AA & NHPIs. These results highlight the significance of neighborhood environment in addressing loneliness among older adults and emphasize the need for interventions that consider racial differences.

Keywords

neighborhood loneliness older adults cohesion danger race

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