Socioeconomic inequalities, housing and neighbourhood influences on older adults’ mental health in Aotearoa : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Health Science in Psychology, School of Psychology, Massey University of New Zealand

Abstract

The social and physical environment in which we live daily has significant implications for our mental health and overall well-being, especially for older adults who are entering new stages of life. The current study examined the influence of socioeconomic status, housing and neighbourhood qualities (tenure, satisfaction, accessibility, safety and trust) on the mental health (depression, anxiety and loneliness) of older adults in Aotearoa. The study utilised cross-sectional data collected from 5514 participants (M = 66.2 years) as part of the Health, Work, and Retirement study’s 2022 survey. The data was analysed using correlation tests and hierarchical regression. Older adults who were of lower socioeconomic status were more likely to rent and have significantly poorer perceptions of their housing and neighbourhood environment, while also having higher depression, anxiety and loneliness scores. Home ownership, perceived neighbourhood safety and trust moderated the relationship between socioeconomic status and depression and loneliness scores, but not anxiety scores. These findings contribute to the existing knowledge about material deprivation and mental health, while also highlighting the critical aspects of housing and neighbourhood features on the well-being of older adults, especially for poorer populations. The results may provide insightful evidence for health, housing, and social policy.