Healthy ageing in a gentrified city: perspectives of older adults from Porto

BACKGROUND: Neighbourhood transformations like gentrification can affect health outcomes. Gentrification is understood as a set of processes of sociospatial change driven by investments in the built environment oriented to the preferences of affluent people. However, little is known about the impact of gentrification on older adults. We aimed to understand how older people perceive gentrification how it relates to healthy ageing. METHODS: This qualitative study, conducted in 2022, was based on nineteen semi-structured interviews of older adults (≥60 years) from the EPIPorto cohort living in Porto, a hotspot of gentrification. Individuals were selected through purposive sampling based on four features: sex, education, homeownership, and area of residence. Inductive thematic analysis was performed using NVivo. RESULTS: Most respondents identified changes in the physical environment and how it is used due to gentrification, namely concerning green and leisure spaces, food and beverages outlets, housing and commerce. It was also mentioned that gentrification leads to a shortage of affordable housing and weakens social cohesion. Participants described that changes in the physical environment due to gentrification can contribute positively to their well-being, while others admitted a higher cost of living and increased vulnerability to worse mental health. Yet, some interviewees revealed little or no influence of gentrification on healthy ageing. CONCLUSIONS: Gentrification has dual and disparate effects on older adult's health and well-being. Policies should maximize the health benefits of gentrification, while protecting citizens from the negative effects. KEY MESSAGES: • Considering people’s perspectives on gentrification and healthy ageing is essential to plan age-friendly cities and achieving better health outcomes.