Neighborhood Disorder, Perceived Social Cohesion, and Social Participation Among Older Americans: Findings From the National Health & Aging Trends Study

OBJECTIVE: This research explores whether physical neighborhood disorder or perceived social cohesion is associated with participation in social activities among older Americans (age 65+). METHOD: Using the first wave of the National Health N = 6,383), a series of logistic regression models were created to assess the odds of participation. RESULTS: Low social cohesion was associated with decreased odds of visiting friends and family (odds ratio OR = 0.65; 95% confidence interval CI = 0.52, 0.82) and participating in organizations (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.53, 0.88). Presence of neighborhood disorder was associated with decreased odds of visiting friends and family (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.47, 0.82), participating in organizations (OR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.48, 0.89), and going out for enjoyment (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.53, 0.86). Physical capacity and activity value moderated the relationship between neighborhood disorder/cohesion and attending religious services. DISCUSSION: Improving neighborhood disorder and social cohesion may increase social participation among older adults.