| Title: | The role of healthy built environments in frailty prevention : a review of systematic reviews |
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| Authors: | ID Jutraž, Anja (Author)
ID Hrženjak, Vesna (Author)
ID Benčin, Katja (Author)
ID Pirnat, Nina (Author)
ID Gabrovec, Branko (Author) |
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| Files: |  URL - Source URL, visit https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/16/18/3569
 PDF - Presentation file, download (5,59 MB)
MD5: 78341BB2F23F3ECB0E281FD1BDB3CD6D
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| Language: | English |
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| Typology: | 1.02 - Review Article |
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| Organization: |  NIJZ - National Institute of Public Health
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| Abstract: | Frailty represents a significant challenge for aging populations, as population age and the prevalence of functional decline, chronic conditions, and complex health needs increase. This study examines the role of the built environment in the prevention and management of pre-frailty and frailty, with the aim of identifying and synthesizing evidence on environmental elements that influence physical, mental, and social health. The review also explores different interventions and planning approaches that may help reduce the risk of frailty or delay its onset. This study used an umbrella review approach based on existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on adults aged 45 years and older. Eligible reviews focused on built environment characteristics in relation to frailty, healthy aging, or related health outcomes; reviews of institutionalized populations or those without relevant built-environment or health outcomes were excluded. PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, and COBISS were searched, with final searches conducted on 1–2 July 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, and findings were synthesized narratively. A total of 26 reviews were included. The findings suggest that built environments that support and promote physical activity, social interaction, accessibility of services, and community engagement are consistently associated with a lower risk of (pre-)frailty and improved quality of life. In particular, high-quality green and blue spaces, safe and walkable neighborhoods with good connectivity, and accessible housing play an important role in maintaining functional independence. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of subjective perceptions of safety, social cohesion, and neighborhood quality. The evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity and by the frequent use of indirect frailty-related outcomes. These results provide a basis for the development of evidence-informed recommendations, planning guidelines, and spatial measures to support active and healthy aging in the community. The review was co-financed by the European Union and by the Republic of Slovenia’s State Budget under the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027 in Slovenia. The review was not registered. |
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| Keywords: | frailty, pre-frailty, built environment interventions, physical health, social health, mental health, planning approaches |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Submitted for review: | 20.07.2026 |
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| Article acceptance date: | 29.08.2026 |
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| Publication date: | 08.09.2026 |
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| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
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| Number of pages: | 1-18 str. |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 16, iss. 18 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DiRROS-32431  |
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| UDC: | 61 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2075-5309 |
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| DOI: | 10.3390/buildings16183569 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 290730243 |
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| Note: | Opis vira z dne 10. 9. 2026;
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| Pub. date in DiRROS: | 10.09.2026 |
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| Views: | 32 |
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| Downloads: | 15 |
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