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Table 1 Measurement items

From: The impact of residential environment on older people’s capabilities to live independently: a survey in Beijing

 

Actual Survey questionsa

Capability

With regard to the experience of aging in place, to what extent do you agree with the following expressions?

Physical capability

(Phy)

(Phy1) I am able to carry out daily tasks and errands (e.g., work, study, housework, family, or leisure activities)

(Phy2) I am able to take care of myself

(Phy3) I am able to meet the daily demands of life

(Phy4) am able to get out and about with no security concerns

Social capability

(Soc)

(Soc1) I am able to find some people to communicate with

(Soc2) I am able to be socially engaged in community life

(Soc3) I am able to keep up with current affairs in the public domain

(Soc4) I am able to act as a supportive role in the family

Psychological capability

(Psy)

(Psy1) I am able to take enjoyment from life

(Psy2) I am able to maintain a cheerful outlook

(Psy3) I am able to do things that I value

(Psy4) I am able to cope with problems that occur with aging

Environmental factors

To what extent would you agree with the following descriptions of residential environment attributes?

Perceived accessibility (PA)

(PA1) The home is easily accessible from the neighborhood

(PA2) Activities within the home are easy and barrier-free

(PA3) Reaching above and below cabinets is easy

(PA4) Have a well-furnished bathroom

(PA5) Have a well-furnished kitchen

Pleasant surroundings

(PS)

(PS1) There are sufficient greening services

(PS2) There is no crossing of pedestrian and vehicular routes

(PS3) Well-maintained neighborhood facilities and efficient cleaning are provided

(PS4) There is a safe environment with no criminal activities

Meeting opportunities

(MO)

(MO1) Have informal meeting spaces such as parks and squares

(MO2) Have danwei or neighborhood committees hold activities

(MO3) Have trustworthy neighbors that enable information sharing

(MO4) Have helpful neighbors who help each other

(LC1) Exercising facilities are nearby

Life convenience

(LC)

(LC2) Bus stop and subway stations are nearby

(LC3) Pharmacies and hospitals are nearby

(LC4) Supermarkets and vegetable markets are nearby

  1. aNote: Each item was rated on a 5-point Likert scale. 1-strongly disagree, 2- disagree, 3-neither agree nor disagree, 4- agree, 5- strongly agree