Bristol urban integrated diagnostics project case study report: The role of neighbourhood in the health and happiness of older people

Calvert, Thomas; Buser, Michael; Williams, Katie

Abstract

This case study examined factors affecting the health and happiness of older residents in Staple Hill, Bristol, UK. The research, which was qualitative in nature, was primarily achieved through a workshop, and 13 walking interviews, with older residents in the ward. Other stages of the research included examination of extant quantitative data, site visits and dissemination of findings within the community. Staple Hill was chosen as: containing varying deprivation levels, representing a type of neighbourhood that has been under-researched, and including a recently regenerated Park. Older residents were chosen as a focus of the case study as census data showed a higher than average percentage of older residents in the ward. Examination of existing quantitative data on the ward suggested that there was a gap in information regarding the psychological well-being of Staple Hill’s older residents. This is in a context of South Gloucestershire Council noting predicted increases in percentages of older residents and thus wishing to understand and address the independence, health, social isolation and general needs of these citizens.
Findings centre on five themes including mobility, relations with nature, social capital, sustainable neighbourhood design and the role of the neighbourhood as a resources for health and happiness.
The case study reveals the important ways in which neighbourhood and individual interact, influencing the individuals’ happiness. Specific recommendations for policy makers are derived.

• Report Type: Project Report
• Deposit Date: Jun 13, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 13, 2018
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: health, happiness, older people, neighbourhood
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/870018
• Contract Date: Jun 13, 2018