Exploring the Dynamics of Middle-Aged and Older Adult Residents' Perceptions of Neighborhood Safety

Abstract

This study examined what variables best predict concerns about neighborhood safety among middle-aged and older adults. Eighty-five participants were selected from a Midwestern urban area. Participants completed a 22-item questionnaire that assessed their perceptions of neighborhood safety and vigilance. These items were clustered as: (a) community care and vigilance, (b) safety concerns, (c) physical incivilities, and (d) social incivilities. Police crime data were also used in the analyses. Our findings suggest that aspects of the broken window theory, collective efficacy, and place attachments play a role in affecting residents' perceptions of neighborhood safety.

Keywords:

• community
• crime
• middle-aged adults
• neighborhood safety
• older-aged adults
• perceptions
• social and physical incivilities