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Aim <p>This study aimed to examine the longitudinal associations between public library visits and multiple health and well-being outcomes in older adults.</p> Subject and methods <p>We analysed data from over 12,000 (<i>n</i>&#xa0;range, 12,124–12,896) relatively&#xa0;healthy community-dwelling Australians aged 70+ years. We categorised public library visits as never, ≤ 3 times/month, and ≥ once/week. Using an outcome-wide analytical approach, we examined associations between public library visits and 44 outcomes across physical, cognitive/major health events, psychological, social, and behavioural domains. Most outcomes were assessed at ~2&#xa0;years of follow-up, with extended follow-up for time-to-event outcomes (median duration range, 6–9&#xa0;years). We performed gender-disaggregated regressions, adjusting for multiple covariates.</p> Results <p>Participants were aged 70–95&#xa0;years (mean 75.2 ± 4.3) at baseline, and 54.5% were women. More women than men reported visiting public libraries (70.6% vs 59.9%). Public library visits were associated with better physical and cognitive outcomes (e.g., reduced dementia risk), social well-being (e.g., lower social isolation in women), and healthier behaviours (e.g., increased fruit and vegetable intake) at follow-up. No associations were found with most psychological outcomes. Gender differences were observed: men had stronger associations with reduced disability and mortality over 7&#xa0;years, while women showed associations with greater social well-being and health-promoting behaviours, and a higher fall risk ~2&#xa0;years later.</p> Conclusion <p>Public library visits were generally associated with improved health and well-being in older adults. As inclusive and trusted community institutions, libraries may represent a promising avenue for social engagement and health promotion within population-level public health strategies.</p>

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Public library visits and later-life health and well-being: evidence from a longitudinal study of older adults in Australia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月10日

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  • Htet Lin Htun,
  • Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale,
  • Alice J. Owen,
  • Joanne Ryan,
  • Melissa Whitrow,
  • J. R. Baker,
  • Rosanne Freak-Poli

摘要

Aim

This study aimed to examine the longitudinal associations between public library visits and multiple health and well-being outcomes in older adults.

Subject and methods

We analysed data from over 12,000 (n range, 12,124–12,896) relatively healthy community-dwelling Australians aged 70+ years. We categorised public library visits as never, ≤ 3 times/month, and ≥ once/week. Using an outcome-wide analytical approach, we examined associations between public library visits and 44 outcomes across physical, cognitive/major health events, psychological, social, and behavioural domains. Most outcomes were assessed at ~2 years of follow-up, with extended follow-up for time-to-event outcomes (median duration range, 6–9 years). We performed gender-disaggregated regressions, adjusting for multiple covariates.

Results

Participants were aged 70–95 years (mean 75.2 ± 4.3) at baseline, and 54.5% were women. More women than men reported visiting public libraries (70.6% vs 59.9%). Public library visits were associated with better physical and cognitive outcomes (e.g., reduced dementia risk), social well-being (e.g., lower social isolation in women), and healthier behaviours (e.g., increased fruit and vegetable intake) at follow-up. No associations were found with most psychological outcomes. Gender differences were observed: men had stronger associations with reduced disability and mortality over 7 years, while women showed associations with greater social well-being and health-promoting behaviours, and a higher fall risk ~2 years later.

Conclusion

Public library visits were generally associated with improved health and well-being in older adults. As inclusive and trusted community institutions, libraries may represent a promising avenue for social engagement and health promotion within population-level public health strategies.