Housing's Contribution to Poor Health Among Aging Residents in Informal Peri-Urban Communities in Texas: A Mixed-Method Geospatial and Case Study Approach

The data analyzed in this paper were collected through a two-part mail and in-person survey of 630 households in two peri-urban, low-income, informal settlements in central Texas. The survey documents housing conditions and needs in these communities where a significant portion of the population is Hispanic, elderly, and low-income. Analysis of the survey data interrogates the links between chronic illness and poor dwelling conditions in an aging population. To better understand the intersections between aging, health and low-income, self-built housing we analyze detailed data on reported problems with the dwellings and incidences of illness and disability. We present descriptive findings in the following three topic areas: 1) specifics of dwelling structure; 2) perceived problems with the house design and structure; and 3) resident morbidity problems, physical disabilities, and how these intersect with the fabric and design of the dwelling unit. In addition, we use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis of the location and geospatial characteristics of the communities to map how residents’ access to health and social services varies relative to those residents not living in the urban periphery. This analysis allows us to identify appropriate rehabilitation initiatives that will lead to home and health improvements in informal, peri-urban communities.