Shopping centres are crucial to wellbeing
New research shows older people feel good when they are shopping.
Shopping centres are vital social hubs that help many older people feel connected to their communities, according to a Queensland study.
Although they have a reputation for being loud and crowded, Queensland University of Technology PhD researcher Jenneke Foottit said shopping centres have the potential to boost social and emotional health.
“This has implications for the building and refurbishment of shopping centres,” she said.
“As our population ages, we must make sure they stay mobile by creating social environments that are safe for [older people] to move around in.”
“We need to remember shopping centres are meeting places for older people and provide appropriate health services, spaces where they can gather socially and make sure they can accommodate walkers and have access to public transport.”
The finding about shopping centres came from a multi-dimensional study on perceived wellness among 263 Queenslanders aged 65 and over.
“I found that older people perceive themselves as being well when they can do the things they want to do despite having health issues,” Ms Foottit said.
“The interesting thing is women class themselves as well when they can manage their health. If they can do what they want to do, they think of themselves as being well.
“For example, one woman had had heart bypass surgery, heart valve surgery and cancer treatment but she saw herself as well because she could still go out,” Ms Foottit said.
The study also found a sharp dip in perceived wellness and health-related quality of life among women aged 85 to 90.