Healthy ageing is not just about genes, medicine or individual choices. It is about where we live, walk, sit, breathe and connect. For aged care providers, this means the environment is no longer just a backdrop to ageing – it is a powerful determinant of health, independence and quality of life.
Recent findings from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, a 13-year collaboration between the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) and the Australian Catholic University (ACU), underscore that where you live profoundly influences how your brain ages. For aged care providers, the message is clear: design and location matter just as much as quality of care.
Key Findings
The study, led by ACU’s Professor Ester Cerin, followed over 1,000 adults aged 70 and older for 13 years. It found that those living in walkable, green and well-connected neighbourhoods – especially with access to public transport, commercial services, and natural features such as parks or water – were less likely to develop dementia or experience cognitive decline.
Crucially, some participants living in these environments were more likely to recover from mild cognitive impairment. This hopeful finding suggests the right environment can do more than delay deterioration; it can actively support improvement.
In contrast, participants exposed to higher levels of air pollution – particularly fine particulate matter from traffic and industry – were at greater risk of memory loss, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Implications for New Builds
■ Location is not neutral. Choosing to build a home near major traffic corridors, or in poorly connected suburbs, has longterm consequences for resident wellbeing. Providers should weigh environmental quality alongside land cost and planning convenience.
■ Green and blue spaces are protective assets. Access to gardens, parks and water features supports physical activity, reduces stress and fosters social interaction. Even for residents with limited mobility, simply being able to see greenery or water from a window can improve mood and cognitive health.
■ Walkability matters. Homes connected to local cafés, shops, services and community spaces enable outings, encourage family visits and integrate residents with community life. This combats social isolation and creates opportunities for joyful interaction – not just informally, but also through formal groups such as Rotary clubs and other community organisations.
■ Air quality is a hidden risk factor. Because older adults are especially vulnerable to pollutants, providers should prioritise neighbourhoods with low traffic exposure and good air quality. Indoors, consideration should be given to adequate ventilation and air filtration systems.
■ The benefits extend beyond residents. Staff who work in walkable, vibrant, green neighbourhoods experience less stress, greater wellbeing and easier access to services – supporting staff retention and satisfaction.
Upgrading Current Sites
■ Measure and mitigate air quality. Explore air quality monitoring and filtration systems, especially near high-traffic areas. Protecting indoor air from pollutants is increasingly part of dementia prevention and general health promotion.
■ Invest in green infrastructure onsite. Thoughtfully designed gardens, courtyards and walking paths provide residents with restorative spaces. Where possible, include water features, shaded areas and safe pathways to encourage outdoor activity.
■ Prioritise views of nature. Research shows that even passive exposure to greenery and water from within a building has measurable cognitive benefits. Facility design should maximise natural light and views.
■ Forge community connections. Partner with local cafés, schools and community centres to host shared activities and events, invite local groups to visit residents, and encourage escorted outings that foster intergenerational relationships and active participation in neighbourhood life.
■ Advocate for healthier neighbourhoods. Aged care providers can play a role in urban planning conversations, pushing for cleaner air, better public transport and safer pedestrian infrastructure where they operate.
Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing
University of New South Wales
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Australian Catholic Universitycheba.unsw.edu.au; acu.edu.au