Ady Chen
Research Mentor: Helen Meier
Mentor Department: Survey Research Center, ISR
Author(s): Ady Chen, Liang Chen, Helen Meier
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 119
Abstract
Although there are various research studies that look at changes in a particular neighborhood, it’s important to consider overall phenomena of neighborhood change impacting residents’ life span using quantitative data. Much of the existing literature relies on qualitative methods, such as ethnographies and in-depth interviews, which have limited generalizability and are often difficult to replicate. This study examines the relationship between neighborhood change and life span in the United States, focusing on how shifting social, economic, and physical environments shape long-term health outcomes through quantitative analysis of census-level indicators (e.g., socioeconomic composition and housing conditions). The findings suggest strong links between life expectancy and neighborhood socioeconomic conditions – particularly income, education, and housing value. By evaluating potential interventions and modeling their effects, these results provide actionable guidance for public health and urban planning to foster health equity and inform policies that protect vulnerable populations during neighborhood transitions. By positioning life expectancy within dynamic neighborhood contexts, this study contributes to debates on disparate health outcomes driven by social determinants, highlights the importance of neighborhood stability and equitable development for long-term health, and offers quantitative measures that can support future research on neighborhood change and health in the United States.
