The Impact of Community Support Systems on Healthy Aging and Longevity in Urban Contexts: A Comparative Study Across Global Regions

Abstract

This study explores how urban community support systems (CSS)—including healthcare access, social engagement, and environmental safety—shape healthy aging (physical function, mental well-being) and longevity among older adults (≥65 years) across high-income (U.S., Japan, Spain), middle-income (China), and low-income (Nigeria) urban contexts. Using panel data (2021–2024) from 12,000 older adults in 15 cities and a mixed-methods approach (quantitative regression, qualitative interviews), results show: (1) CSS quality explains 38% of variance in healthy aging scores (higher in high-income regions: U.S. 0.72 vs. Nigeria 0.31); (2) Social engagement programs (e.g., intergenerational activities) and accessible primary care are the strongest predictors of longevity (HR=0.72, p<0.001); (3) Urbanization intensity moderates CSS effects—rapidly urbanizing cities (e.g., Beijing) face CSS gaps due to infrastructure lag. Policy recommendations include scaling community-based preventive care and integrating aging-in-place designs into urban planning.

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