Ageing well could depend on where you live
A ground-breaking new study sheds light on links between brain health and location.
Changing communities to improve quality of life
National Seniors Australia surveyed thousands of Australians aged 50 and over about their communities and quality of life.
This document can help local councils focus their efforts when engaging with older residents about changes they need.
Living in walkable, green, and well-connected neighbourhoods – especially those with access to public transport, commercial services, and blue or green spaces – may help protect against memory and cognitive decline.
That’s the key finding of a 13-year study of older Australians that essentially revealed where you live may play a powerful role in how your brain ages.
The researchers, from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney and the Australian Catholic University (ACU), found study participants living in more densely populated, greener areas with better access to services were less likely to develop dementia.
Conversely, those exposed to higher levels of air pollution – particularly fine particulate matter – were more likely to experience cognitive decline.
The findings, published in the journal, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, resulted from a study of more than 1,000 adults aged 70 and older who were followed for nearly 14 years to investigate the factors that predict cognitive stability, decline, and even improvement.
What the researchers found exciting was that their research confirmed your living environment plays a major role in wellbeing while ageing.
“The environment you live in isn’t just a backdrop to healthy, it’s a key ingredient,” said lead author, Professor Ester Cerin, from ACU. “Neighbourhoods that encourage activity, reduce stress, and provide better air quality seem to offer real protection for the ageing brain.”
Access to public transport, parkland, and coastal or blue spaces were also linked to a greater chance of recovering from mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia.
This is a hopeful message. Even in later life, living in the right environment can offer a second chance for cognitive improvement, not just delay deterioration.
The study builds on similar findings from other research and is particularly important as it is based on “rigorous cognitive assessments” across a long period of time.
The research highlights the potential for urban planning and environmental policy to shape brain health outcomes in communities.
The history of the study is interesting. When it began in 2005, the researchers aimed to understand why some people maintained cognitive function while others declined.
“This new analysis gives us deeper insight into how the built and natural environments play a role,” CHeBA co-director, Professor Perminder Sachdev, said.
If you are thinking about moving, here are some things to look for:
Green space nearby. Parks, gardens and tree-lined streets can reduce stress and encourage regular walking.
Good public transport. Easy access to buses, trains, or ferries can help you stay active, independent and socially connected.
Shops and services within walking distance. Having grocery stores, cafes, pharmacies, and community centres close by supports both convenience and daily movement.
Safe, walkable streets. Footpaths, pedestrian crossings and good lighting make it easier to get around safely.
Clean air. If possible, choose an area with low traffic congestion and away from heavy industrial zones to reduce exposure to air pollution.
Access to blue spaces. Proximity to water – a river, lake, or beach – has been linked to better mental wellbeing.
Planning for better ageing. The results underline how urban design and environmental planning can influence brain health at a community level.
Related reading: CHeBA, Aged Care Guide
