Associations between the physical and social urban environment and older adults’ mental health–a scoping review of reviews

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As populations age and urbanization accelerates, understanding how urban environments influence older adults' mental health is crucial. Due to declining physical abilities, older adults rely heavily on their surroundings, giving urban environments significant public health potential. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This scoping review synthesized empirical evidence on associations between urban environmental characteristics and mental health among older adults. A review of reviews was conducted using six electronic databases, targeting peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2000 and 2024. RESULTS: Out of 16,449 identified articles, 43 met inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis revealed eight overarching topics. Five related to the physical environment: (1) access to and/or availability of functional services and amenities, (2) access to and/or availability of natural and recreational spaces, (3) air and water quality, and noise, (4) mobility and streetscape infrastructure, and (5) aesthetics. Three related to the social environment: (1) civic engagement, (2) neighborhood adversity, and (3) social inclusion and non-discrimination. Key research gaps included a lack of research in underrepresented regions and among older adults from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as inconsistent definitions of 'older adults'. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings provide valuable insights for future research, interventions, and urban planning efforts aimed at promoting mental health among older adults.