Space and Cognition—A Study on the Impact of Living Space on Cognitive Impairment of Urban Older Adults

This study examines how residential space quality affects cognitive impairment in Chinese urban older adults through life quality evaluation mediation, using CLHLS data (2011-2018) and structural equation modeling. Results show the direct effect evolved from marginal (2011) to highly significant (2018), reflecting urbanization policy impacts. Residential space quality primarily influences cognitive function indirectly through enhanced life quality evaluation, requiring objective improvements to transform into cognitive protection via subjective perception. Findings suggest gerontological social workers should implement integrated interventions with dual-assessment protocols, addressing both housing quality and psychosocial support simultaneously.