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A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
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Neighborhood Built Environment and Late-Life Depression: A Multilevel Path Analysis in a Chinese Society
Shiyu Lu1, Yuqi Liu2, Yingqi Guo2
1Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China.
Summary
Neighborhood environments impact older adults' depression. Social activity and functional ability mediate this link, highlighting the need for age-friendly cities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Neighborhood built environments (BEs) are linked to late-life depression.
- Pathways between BEs and depression require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the mediating roles of physical activity (PA), social activity (SA), and functional ability (FA) in the relationship between BEs and late-life depression.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 2,081 older adults (≥65 years) in Hong Kong.
- Defined neighborhoods using 200-m and 500-m buffers around residences.
- Assessed BEs (population density, greenness, land use, facilities) and used multilevel path analysis.
Main Results:
- Urban greenness and commercial facilities (500-m buffer) were directly associated with fewer depressive symptoms.
- SA mediated the link between community facilities (200-m buffer) and depressive symptoms.
- FA mediated the indirect effects of urban greenness and commercial facilities (500-m buffer) on depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- SA and FA are crucial mediators in the BE-depression relationship for older adults in dense urban settings.
- Findings support the ecological model of aging and inform the development of age-friendly communities.
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