Title A Structural Equation Modeling(SEM) Analysis of City-Size Differences in Factors Influencing Older Adults’ Neighborhood Facilities and Environment
Authors 송안연(Song, An-Ran) ; 김태일(Kim, Tae-Il)
DOI https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.3.85
Page pp.85-96
ISSN 2733-6247
Keywords Older Adults; Neighborhood; Facilities; Environment; Factors influencing; City Size; Structural Equation Modeling(SEM)
Abstract This study aims to construct an analytical framework that explains the interaction between older adults’ functional capabilities and their neighborhood living environment based on the Capability Approach (CA) and the Person?Environment Fit (P-E Fit) theory, and to identify differences in factors influencing the neighborhood living environment according to city size. Using the raw data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans, a Structural Equation Model (SEM) was derived through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Bootstrap analysis. Based on this model, a Multigroup SEM was conducted to analyze the relationships among instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), accessibility, Neighborhood Satisfaction, Service Needs, and Life Satisfaction among older adults by city size. The results indicate that, regardless of city size, accessibility was a key determinant of Neighborhood Satisfaction; however, its direct effect on Life Satisfaction is negative, suggesting a more complex and indirect pathway through neighborho od-related perceptions. Furthermore, city-level differences were observed in the structural relationships among Life Satisfaction, Neighborhood Satisfaction, Service Needs, and IADL, highlighting the context-dependent effects of neighborhood environments on older adults.