Aging in place and quality of life among the elderly in Europe: A moderated mediation model.

OBJECTIVES: We explored the moderated-mediation effects of perceived accessibility to the environment on quality of life in later life via two socio-spatial mediators (loneliness and connection to place) and two moderators (functional disability and marital status).

METHODS: We utilized the data of the fifth wave of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) to analyze the quality of life of 13,828 Europeans aged 65 or older. Bootstrapping with resampling strategies was used to test the moderated-mediation hypotheses.

RESULTS: Higher scores for perceived accessibility to services and sites was associated with greater quality of life. This relationship was partially mediated by lower loneliness and higher connection to place, and moderated by functional disability and marital status.

DISCUSSION: Policymakers and planners should plan suitable, accessible and age-friendly social and spatial environments for dependent and independent older adults. They should also suggest interventions to mitigate social loneliness and modify spatial obstacles.