Elucidating and Expanding the Restorative Theory Framework to Comprehend Influential Factors Supporting...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Environmental Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Stress and attention fatigue negatively affect older adults' mental health and aging-in-place.
• Existing restoration research primarily focuses on students, lacking data on older adults.
• Understanding psychological restoration is key to mitigating these negative impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the general restorative theory framework for older adults.
• To investigate the psychological restoration process in the context of aging populations.
• To inform the development of age-inclusive neighborhoods supporting mental well-being.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• Thirty-nine papers on the restoration process of older adults were identified and analyzed.
• The general restorative theory framework was critically examined.

Main Results:

• The general restorative theory framework requires adjustments for older adults.
• Incorporating factors like social connection ('being with') and familiarity enhances the framework's applicability.
• The adapted framework can support age-inclusive neighborhoods and healthy aging-in-place.

Conclusions:

• Adjustments to the restorative theory are necessary to effectively support older adults.
• The adapted framework offers a pathway to enhance mental health and facilitate aging-in-place.
• This research provides initial insights into adapting restoration theory for global aging challenges.