Geography and loneliness
A Census-based Dataset of Social-Ecological Indiactors
Connection to place and space are critical factors in mental and social wellness. We’ve created indicators from the 2016 Canadian Census that can be easily linked to survey data via Forward Sortation Area Codes. This allows researchers to include social-ecological factors in their models. Explore the indicators using the interactive diagram below.
Readings
Urbaniak et al. (2019)
The interrelationship between place and critical life transitions in later life social exclusion: A scoping review
Literature Review
Primary finding: This review focuses on the rationale for research and policy that supports “aging in place policies.”
Lamanna et al. (2019)
The Association between Public Transportation and Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Literature Review
Primary finding: Inadequate public transportation was recognized as a barrier to social participation, especially for older adults in rural communities and with mobility issues. Older adults will not benefit from opportunities to engage with their community and maintain social networks if they are unable to access them. The purpose of this scoping review was to make recommendations for further research and to summarize areas for improvement identified in the literature that will aid in the development of public transportation initiatives that can better address social isolation for older adults (≥ 55 years of age). Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, identifying themes of access to rural public transportation, issues with public transportation, and mobility. In practice, older adults need to prepare for driving cessation and mobility transitions; sound policy requires input to tailor transportation initiatives to an aging population, and future research should explore older adults' transportation needs and potential solutions in urban and rural communities.
Moore et al. (2018)
The effects of changes to the built environment on the mental health and well-being of adults: Systematic review
Systematic Review
Primary finding: Among 14 studies, no evidence was found of an effect on mental health from 'urban regeneration' and 'improving green infrastructure' studies. Beneficial effects on quality-of-life outcomes from 'improving green infrastructure' were found in two studies. One 'improving green infrastructure' study reported an improvement in social isolation. Overall, evidence for the impact of built environment interventions on mental health and quality-of-life is weak. Future research requires more robust study designs and interdisciplinary research involving public health, planning and urban design experts.
O’Donoghue et al. (2018)
Neighbourhood level social deprivation and the risk of psychotic disorders: a systematic review
Systematic Review
Primary finding: A total of 28 studies were reviewed. Of these, four examined the association between social deprivation at the time of birth, three examined the putative prodrome of psychosis or those at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis, and 23 examined the time at presentation with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) (one study examined two time points and one study included both UHR and FEP). Three of the studies that examined the level of social deprivation at birth found an association with a higher risk for psychotic disorders and increased social deprivation. Seventeen of the 23 studies found that there was a higher risk or rate of psychotic disorders in more deprived neighbourhoods at the time of presentation; however, adjusting for individual factors tended to weaken this association. Limited research has been conducted in the putative prodromal stage and has resulted in conflicting findings. The authors conclude that research conducted to date has not definitively identified whether the association is a result of social causation or social drift; however, the findings do have significant implications for service provision, such as the location and access of services.