Public Opinion, Providers’, and Older Adults’ Perspectives on Gentrification, Older Adults, and Health and Well-Being
We investigate gentrification’s detrimental effects on the physical and mental well-being of older adults in Colorado, emphasizing racial and ethnic minority populations. Our research elucidates how gentrification-induced changes in housing, transportation, healthcare and food access, and social engagement adversely affect this vulnerable demographic.
Methods
We sourced data from United States of America’s newspaper databases (including Newsbank, Access World News, and Gale Onefile News), individual newspaper websites, and three health and social service provider (n=8) and older adult (n=5) focus groups. We used content analysis with newspaper databases (public opinion) and thematic analysis for focus group data in Atlas.ti, to identify themes related to gentrification and its impact on older adults’ health and well-being.
Results
Our content analysis revealed that gentrification was closely associated with disruptions in housing stability and healthcare access for older adults, particularly within minoritized communities. These disruptions contributed to elevated stress levels, declining mental health, and exacerbated chronic conditions among older adults. Our focus groups triangulated the prior findings, mentioning stress related to older adults’ increased housing and food costs, difficulties accessing transportation, increased customers and demands on service providers for assistance, and service providers’ decreased funding and support staff numbers. One participant mentioned a lack of community in her neighborhood, speaking to how gentrification has dispersed people, particularly in minoritized neighborhoods. Subsequently, gentrification contributed to social isolation and transportation issues with changing neighborhood demographics.
Discussion
Our findings highlight the need for policy and program interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of gentrification on older adults, especially within minoritized communities. Ensuring stable housing and accessible healthcare for this population is essential to preserving their physical and mental well-being in the context of rapidly evolving urban environments.