PhD defence Mark Noordzij

The combination of urbanization and ageing can lead to new public health challenges, such as a higher risk of mental disorders and physical inactivity, but can also offer opportunities for the implementation of policies and interventions that promote public health. The city has therefore become a key site for the implementation of prevention and early identification policies on the trajectories of ageing and mental well-being. However, the implementation of such policies requires a good understanding of how the urban environment relates to health and well-being. The aim of this thesis is to explore the variation in urban environments and how this variation relates to physical activity and mental well-being by using data from different European cities. The studies presented in this thesis use data harmonized within the MINDMAP project. The MINDMAP project aimed to identify the opportunities and challenges posed by the urban environment for the promotion of mental health and well-being of middle-aged and older adults.
Link to the entry in the Kennisbank https://www.mulierinstituut.nl/publicaties/27287/urban-environments-physical-activity-and-mental-well-being/