Study Shows Neighboring Impact on Elderly

The old proverb says, “Good fences make good neighbors.” But a study from Rutgers University has found that having continuously low levels of contact with neighbors, or losing contact with them altogether, is associated with declining levels of psychological well-being in middle and later life.

The School of Social Work study explored whether frequency of contact and perceived neighbor support are important for several measures of psychological well-being. The researchers found that people who reported low quantities of neighbor relationships rated themselves worse over time in terms of feelings of purpose in life, personal growth, autonomy, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, and positive relations with others.

The study, “Continuity and Change in Relationships with Neighbors: Implications for Psychological Wellbeing in Middle and Later Life,” was published The Journal of Gerontology.

Neighbors might not necessarily prevent us from feeling depressed but they are an important part of the social landscape and contribute to what makes life worth living. From bringing in our mail or making a meal, to providing social interaction, neighbors can play an important role in middle and older age. "We found that lack of that support contributes to a sense of loss and decreased well-being,” says Emily Greenfield, researcher and associate professor at Rutgers.

Providing everything from assistance in emergencies, to transportation, to daily social interaction, contact with neighbors was found to provide a boost of wellbeing. Participants who reported continuously low levels of contact, and participants who experienced losses in contact, were at greater risk for poorer psychological well-being.

A growing number of models for aging services have sought to strengthen neighbor relationships to help older adults remain in their own homes. Despite these initiatives, there has been little research on the implications of neighbor relationships. Greenfield used 10-years of data, from over 1,000 adults ages 40-70, showed that continuity in the neighbor relationship was especially important for more developmental aspects of psychological well-being.

“Smaller, prior studies of older adults within their communities suggest that neighbors’ spontaneous interactions can provide a sense of community, structure and purpose, friendship, humor and an outlet for personal expression. Our study contributes additional empirical support for the importance of community initiatives that help people develop and maintain strong relationships with neighbors,” says Greenfield.

Greenfield says her findings support an “aging in community” framework, which emphasizes developing supportive relationships among community members not only for the sake of mitigating potential problems in later life but also for promoting optimal functioning and quality of life.

University of Missouri Extension continues a series of free programs known as "Neighboring 101." These are classes that are taught live via zoom once a month during the noon hour. You must register online at http://extension.missouri.edu to access the live class and get videos from past classes. Simply search for Neighboring 101 to find the registration link.

Upcoming guests include:

Dec 16 - Michael Mather, author of "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything," will be our live guest. Mike has spoken all over the nation about how he put asset-based community development to work in Indianapolis.

Jan 20 - Becky McCray, a nationally known community development specialist, will present "The Idea Friendly Method." This will be an interactive session and focused on taking action on your ideas for your community.

In 2022, the class becomes Neighboring 201 and will have a $25 subscription rate.

opportunity to connect with people. It is not just a plate of cookies or a cup of sugar to a neighbors, is an opportunity to share what we have. Is not just a ping pong game with me in the garage, it is an opportunity check together and to get acquainted.

Neighboring is not one size fits all. It varies from area to area and among people because our likes and dislikes are different and change. But doing an event or an activity can be a great excuse to meet neighbors.

In the recent decades, the idea of being a neighbor in America has shifted to be behavior based on etiquette. Basically a good neighbor is someone who is quiet and leave me alone.

We need to change that definition, change the narrative. We must change what it means to be a good neighbor. It actually means to love your neighbor and that begins by learning their name and building a relationship with them.

Thanks to a partnership with Ridgecrest we will also be bringing the Chris and Elizabeth McKinney to Springfield for a day-long neighboring conference on March 5. That conference will be open to members of the public but seats for the conference will be limited.

Contact: Christine Thompson Director of Community Engagement SeniorAge

Chris.Thompson @SeniorAgemo.org (417) 868-9530