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There is an increasing recognition of the impact of built environment in the neighbourhood on healthy ageing, especially in the context of ageing in place. This study examines perceptions of third place and its potential value for mitigating loneliness in older adults. Thirty participants aged 65-89, living in ordinary housing across three neighbourhoods in the city of Stockholm, Sweden, conducted the interview-based sorting procedures, namely, Multiple Sorting Tasks (MST). In each individual MST procedure, the participant was asked to sort twenty pictures into groups using his or her own categories. The data were analysed using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis, integrating qualitative data input and quantitative statistical analysis of the categorisations. Accessible local third places, which facilitate physical activities (especially walking) and community building (meaningful social connections) and provide options for food (a medium for social interactions), were seen as vital resources to combat loneliness. Thus, these places are supportive built environment elements of healthy ageing and ageing in place. The management aspect in third places operated by municipalities, including designing diverse public programs and services, and the service mentality of the staff members play an important role in making these places feel safe, at home, and potentially lessen the experience of loneliness to some extent. This study adds an urban design and planning perspective that can be integrated into environmental approaches to combat loneliness among older adults living in the community.

In the Multiple Sorting Task (MST) participants sort entities into their self-defined categories. The descriptions they provide of their categories provide qualitative data. Multi-dimensional scaling of sorting generates quantitative results. Relating the qualitative descriptions to the quantitative output creates integrated mixed methods. As part of the study of conceptions of public space an online MST was developed using Zoom and Miro, supported by Email and Smartphone where necessary. Twenty adult participants performed the MST with 20 pictures of public spaces in Stockholm. Results demonstrate the viability of the novel digital MST. The MST’s benefits, challenges, and applications in its digital form as an integrated mixed-methods are presented., QC 20230707, A part of the doctoral thesis