Gender and Urban–Rural Disparities in Housing, Environmental Sustainability and the Physical Well-Being of Older Adults in Ghana

Background: The rapid growth in the population of older adults creates challenges such as workforce shortages, higher healthcare costs and poor living conditions. These strain the existing social support systems and the decline in the physical well-being of older adults. This study examines how gender, urban–rural differences, housing conditions and environmental sustainability impact the physical well-being of older adults in Ghana.

Methods: Using a nationally representative dataset from the 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census, the authors analysed 47,962 adults aged 60 years and over. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between gender, urban–rural differences, housing conditions, environmental sustainability and older adults’ physical well-being. The output was reported as odds ratios (OR).

Results: Findings indicate that males, urban residence and improved housing conditions (e.g., better building materials, roofing (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.99, 1.17), walls (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.18), floors (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.99, 1.23) and lighting (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.96, 1.14)) are significantly associated with higher physical well-being. Environmental factors like access to clean drinking water (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.23), improved sanitation (solid waste disposal methods (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.27), bathing facilities (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.95, 1.07) and toilet facilities (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.94, 1.07)) and safer cooking conditions ((improved cooking fuel) (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.14, 1.34) and (improved cooking space) (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.26)) are also associated positively with physical health.

Conclusion: The study highlights the need for policies targeting gender and geographic health disparities, suggesting that enhancing housing and environmental conditions could improve the quality of life for older adults in Ghana.