Moving well, ageing well: How built and social environments shape mobility and well-being in later life

This study examines the interrelations between environmental characteristics, travel behaviour, and well-being among older residents in Ghent, Belgium. It is motivated by the global challenges of population ageing and growing evidence that the living environment shapes daily travel and health outcomes. Using self-collected survey data in 1115 older adults aged 65 to 93, the analysis applies structural equation modelling to understand how built and social environmental features are associated with well-being, both directly and indirectly through travel behaviour across walking, cycling, car use, and public transport. The findings show that built and social environments are associated with well-being through both direct pathways and indirect pathways mediated by travel behaviour, with the built environment exerting the stronger and more consistent effect. Frequent travel, regardless of mode, is positively associated with well-being, underscoring the value of enabling older adults to maintain trip-making ability. Environments that provide positive walking and cycling experiences, high-quality public transport, supportive neighbourhood relationships, and community events encourage more active and sustainable travel. Parking provision facilitates car use, which may remain essential for individuals with limited mobility. These results highlight the need for integrated urban policies that address both infrastructure and the social dynamics of neighbourhoods to create environments that support mobility and well-being in later life.