Gordon Holden

The spatial dimensions of neighbourhood: how older people define it

Abstract This paper seeks to develop our understanding of neighbourhood boundaries, as defined by older people. Using interview and mapping methods, research revealed the significance of three factors ‒ built-form pattern, spatial distribution of the social networks and personal attributes ‒ as contributing to how older people define their neighbourhood boundaries. Research findings highlighted discrepancies between residents’ perceived neighbourhood boundaries and the statistical unit used as the neighbourhood proxy in most neighbourhood-related research. The findings suggested that the statistical information about the neighbourhood effects on older people does not necessarily reflect the lived experience of older people in their perceived neighbourhood.