Impacts of the Rural Physical Environment on the Mental Health of Different Groups of Older Adults: A Case Study in the Chinese Context

Abstract

Objectives

This study examines how the rural physical environment—including spatial environment and leisure facilities—relates to the mental health of rural older adults in China, and explores group differences.

Background

Evidence on the impact of rural environments on elderly mental health is limited, despite growing attention to this issue.

Methods

Using 2020 CLASS data, structural equation modeling in Mplus analyzed the pathways linking rural space and recreational facilities to mental health and compared group differences.

Results

Both the rural spatial environment and recreational facilities are positively associated with the mental health of rural older adults, with differences in magnitude and mechanism. Recreational facilities show a stronger association than the spatial environment. The spatial environment is mainly related to mental health through a direct pathway, whereas the association between recreational facilities and mental health is partially mediated by physical exercise, with the direct effect remaining dominant. Group analyses indicate that physical exercise plays a greater mediating role among older adults aged 60–74, while among those aged ≥75, the association is primarily direct and more pronounced. Partial mediation through physical exercise is observed only in northern and more developed rural areas.

Conclusions

The study underscores the vital role of rural leisure facilities in enhancing elderly mental health, particularly those aged ≥75. Improving rural spatial design and developing diverse, age-friendly leisure facilities can promote well-being and provide evidence-based guidance for policies supporting rural revitalization and elderly quality of life.