The Impact of Neighborhood Typology on the Prioritization of Neighborhood Infrastructure and Their Respective Attributes, Contributing to the Overall Quality of Life (QoL) of Older Citizens: A Case Study of Kolkata, India
摘要
The issue of the gradual decline in the overall QoL of the older citizens or older adults is a rising concern in many South Asian countries, including India which is also a developing country. Existing research on the relation between neighborhood and QoL of Indian older adults has explored the issue sporadically, focusing on selected aspects of QoL. Holistic research on neighborhood environment catering to all the aspects of QoL remains comparatively less explored. Considering the limitations in the physical capabilities, brought about by age-related disorders, the role of the neighborhood in contributing to the improvement of the overall QoL of the older citizens becomes increasingly important. The features and characteristics of the infrastructure available in a neighborhood also considerably influence the feasibility of use of the same. Since neighborhoods which have developed organically varies in their urban form from those which have been planned, it can be assumed that the characteristics, features, and access to these infrastructure existing in these neighborhoods would also vary. Since neighborhood characteristics are essential for the well-being of older adults, an in-depth understanding about the interrelationship requires an empirical study; this chapter, therefore, explores the variation in prioritization of neighborhood infrastructure and attributes influencing the overall QoL of older citizens residing in planned and organically developed neighborhoods from the perspective of a selected group of older adults residing in Kolkata, India.