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Loneliness and Life Satisfaction Explained by Public-Space Use and Mobility Patterns
Lisanne Bergefurt1, Astrid Kemperman2, Pauline van den Berg3
1Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. lisanne.bergefurt@gmail.com.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 7, 2019
Summary
Personal, neighborhood, and mobility factors significantly impact life satisfaction and loneliness. Public space use has a limited direct effect, but neighborhood walkability and accessibility are key for well-being.
Area of Science:
- Urban planning
- Environmental psychology
- Public health
Background:
- Personal, neighborhood, and mobility factors influence life satisfaction and loneliness.
- Public space exposure, like green spaces, may affect loneliness and life satisfaction.
- Limited knowledge exists on the simultaneous effects of these characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how public-space use mediates the relationship between personal, neighborhood, and mobility characteristics and loneliness/life satisfaction.
- To analyze the combined influence of various factors on well-being.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for urban policy.
Main Methods:
- Path analysis approach.
- Sample of 200 residents from 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.
- Analysis of personal, neighborhood, mobility, and public-space use characteristics.
Main Results:
- Frequency of public-space use showed limited direct influence on life satisfaction and loneliness.
- Personal, neighborhood, and mobility characteristics significantly affected public-space use, loneliness, and life satisfaction.
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL) influenced space use and well-being outcomes, and were related to age.
Conclusions:
- Neighborhood design promoting walkability, accessibility, green spaces, and public transport is crucial.
- Focusing on creating accessible and walkable neighborhoods can enhance physical activity and promote well-being.
- Policymakers should prioritize these neighborhood characteristics to improve residents' life satisfaction and reduce loneliness.
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