Impact of the Built Environment of Old Residential Communities on Older Adults’ Health Based on the EVOLVE Tool: A Multidimensional Case Study of Dalian, China

As the global population ages rapidly, the built environment has become increasingly critical for the health of older adults. In China, although the government has continuously promoted age-friendly retrofitting of old residential communities, these communities often face low usage rates after renovation. This study evaluated the age-friendliness of eight old residential units in Dalian, China, using the EVOLVE 2010 (Evaluation of Older Adults’ Living Environment) tool and combined semi-structured interviews with older residents. The results analyzed environmental impacts on older adults’ health across three domains: diet, exercise, and emotion. The findings reveal systemic deficiencies in housing units, external spaces, and urban planning, with limited physical accessibility being the predominant concern. Improving spatial functionality or environmental optimization alone is insufficient to enhance health outcomes; instead, expanding the range of activities and improving access to various locations contribute to increased self-esteem, confidence, and engagement in beneficial behaviors such as physical exercise and a healthy diet. The study highlights a gap between current renovation practices and the actual needs of older adults, emphasizing that accessibility should be prioritized in age-friendly design. These findings provide evidence-based policy implications for promoting healthy aging through urban renewal.