Promoting ageing in place in Hong Kong: neighbourhood social environment and depression among older adults

Neighbourhood plays an increasingly prominent role in the provision of elder care in light of population ageing. Many governments worldwide have committed to improving neighbourhoods to promote ageing in place. This article investigates the association between neighbourhood social conditions and depression among the elderly Hong Kong population ages 60 and older with a focus on neighbourhood elderly services, a modifiable factor with policy implications. Using two waves of data from the Hong Kong Panel Study of Social Dynamics (HKPSSD), the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression estimation reveals that neighbourhood centres aiming to encourage social interaction among the elderly are significantly related to reduced symptoms of depression. The beneficial effects of such facilities are greater among older individuals living in low socioeconomic (SES) neighbourhoods. These results suggest that neighbourhood-based services are effective in enhancing healthy ageing in an ultra-dense Chinese metropolis, and policies should put priority to address social service and facility issues in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.