Place attachment and aging: A scoping review

Place attachment is an important multi-dimensional concept that has been expressed by a variety of definitions. This study aimed to explore and synthesize themes related to place attachment and to identify the dimensions of this concept in the older adults. A five-step scoping review framework was used to explore the existing studies that have investigated older adults' place attachment. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included in this research. Data searching was conducted on databases during March and April 2019. First, 449 articles were identified and after screening, 29 eligible studies were reviewed. The results specified 17 subcategories and five main categories for the concept of place attachment among community-dwelling older adults, including physical, social, economic, psychological, and autobiographical attachment. The result of this study showed that the multi-faced concept of place attachment is a universal feeling among older adults which is shaped based on the combination of three themes including people, place, and bond. Therefore, it is important to pay more attention to dimensions of place attachment in planning for aging in place and age-friendly communities.

Automated summary

The study explores the concept of place attachment among older adults, identifying it as a multidimensional concept with five main categories: physical, social, economic, psychological, and autobiographical attachment. The results indicate that place attachment is a universal feeling among older adults, shaped by the combination of three themes: people, place, and bond. Paying attention to the dimensions of place attachment is crucial for planning aging in place and age-friendly communities.