Health & place
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Neighborhood environment and cognitive function in older adults: A multilevel analysis in Hong Kong.
In considering the influence of the neighborhood environment on cognitive function, little research has looked beyond the individual factors. Here, we conducted a study on 21,008 older adults aged 65 years and above in Hong Kong to examine the cross-sectional associations of neighborhood economic disadvantage, recreational resources, walkability, library accessibility and physical activities on cognitive function and dementia. Both smaller and larger census tracts were adopted as proxies for neighborhoods. ⋯ No significant interaction effect was identified except on the educational level and neighborhood library accessibility. To conclude, late life residential environments are important contexts for aging. Aging-in-place interventions in Hong Kong should thus address neighborhood poverty, improve accessibility of libraries and walkability to reduce future risks of cognitive decline.