An increasing body of literature has investigated the implications of housing quality on health, confirming the negative consequences of poor housing quality on physical and mental health. Despite this increased focus on the salutogenic impacts of housing, the relationship between housing quality and cognitive health remains understudied. This study examined how the housing quality in urban informal settlements, where living conditions are often substandard, affects women’s cognitive functioning, with a specific focus on executive function (EF) skills. EF is a decision-making system that enables us to make decisions using working memory and attentional control. This study addressed two key questions: (1) Is housing quality associated with EF skills? (2) Does perceived housing stress experienced by women mediate the housing–EF relationship? A standardized observer-based tool assessed housing quality, psychometric instruments measured EF skills, and a 12-item questionnaire evaluated perceived housing stress. Results indicated that better housing quality is positively associated with higher EF skills, with housing stress acting as a mediating factor in this relationship. These findings have important implications for both health and housing policies. Investments in improving housing conditions can yield cognitive health benefits for women, and addressing stress-inducing housing factors could further enhance cognitive outcomes.

Housing conditions are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of non-communicable diseases; however, their influence on hypertension (HTN) risk remains underexplored in low- and middle-income countries. In urban India, structural disparities in housing are especially pronounced between slum and non-slum areas, making comparative analysis crucial for understanding context-specific health risks. This study examines the relationship between multidimensional housing conditions and HTN risk among women aged 18–49, drawing on data from 68,422 respondents in the fourth National Family Health Survey. A composite housing index was developed to capture six dimensions: structural quality, housing services access, indoor air quality, crowding, tenure security, and asset ownership. Survey-weighted logistic regressions were used to assess associations between housing conditions and HTN, controlling for key socio-demographic and health-related factors. We found that overall HTN prevalence was lower in slum households (11.6%) than in non-slum households (16.0%). Unexpectedly, slum households reported better structural durability and indoor air quality than non-slum households, suggesting incremental improvements in notified or tenure-secure slums. Better tenure security and asset ownership were found to be protective factors for HTN risk, while better structural quality was associated with higher HTN odds in non-slum areas. Crowding showed contrasting effects: in slums, higher crowding increased HTN risk, whereas in non-slums, lower crowding was associated with higher HTN. These findings highlight the context-dependent nature of housing-health links. Targeted interventions that address both physical infrastructure and broader living conditions can play a vital role in reducing urban hypertension disparities among women in India.

Background: Family caregiving has been central to U.S. eldercare, supported by federal policies. However, recent shifts towards neoliberalism, devolution of aging policy, rising chronic illnesses, and increasing social isolation have spurred interest in intergenerational communities. Objective: This study explores these models, assessing their impact on health and well-being. Methods: We conducted a systematic scoping review of studies published after 2000, searching PsycInfo, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, SocINDEX, Urban Studies, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: Selected studies were analyzed under three themes: the quality and quantity of intergenerational interactions, potential benefits, and the impact of the built environment. A total of 20 studies were included in this review. Interventions mostly occurred weekly, with varied interaction quality. Potential outcomes included improved intergenerational attitudes, social and behavioral development, physical and mental health, and quality of life. Research on the role of the built environment remains scarce. Conclusion: This review highlights the potential of Intentional Intergenerational Communities (IICs). However, significant gaps remain, reflecting the early stage of IIC implementation. Future research should focus on generating robust evidence to inform policymakers and practitioners.