Developing an environmental adaptation framework for older migrants in Guangzhou, China

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Urban Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• The increasing population of older migrants poses challenges to urban social integration.
• Research on older migrants is often subsumed under broader aging and migration studies, lacking specific focus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors in the perceived living environment influencing life satisfaction among rural-urban older migrants.
• To explore the role of environmental adaptation in this relationship within Guangzhou, China.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Perceived Living Environment Scale and a newly developed Environmental Adaptation Scale.
• Surveyed 385 older migrants in Guangzhou.

Main Results:

• Developed an environmental adaptation framework detailing how living environments impact older migrants' life satisfaction.
• Identified key pathways linking environmental factors to well-being.

Conclusions:

• The framework provides theoretical insights into housing, infrastructure, social integration, and well-being for older migrants.
• Offers practical guidance for developing age-inclusive urban policies to enhance quality of life.