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Designing Urban Green Spaces for Older Adults in Asian Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Zheng Tan

    (Institute of Future Cities, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
    Hautes Etudes D’ingénieur, Yncréa, Université Catholique de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
    Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, 59000 Lille, France)

  • Kevin Ka-Lun Lau

    (Institute of Future Cities, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
    CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
    Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Adam Charles Roberts

    (School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore)

  • Stessa Tzu-Yuan Chao

    (Department of Urban Planning, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan)

  • Edward Ng

    (Institute of Future Cities, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
    Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
    School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

Abstract

Elderly populations in Asian countries are expected to increase rapidly in the next few decades. Older adults, particularly in high-density cities, spend a considerable amount of time in urban green spaces (UGSs). The World Health Organization noted that UGSs are key to improving the age-friendliness of neighborhoods. Thus, it is necessary to design UGSs for the promotion of healthy ageing to enhance preventive healthcare and relieve medical burdens. This study conducted interviews using a questionnaire with a sample size of 326 participants in the cities of Hong Kong (China) and Tainan (Taiwan region). The inter-relationships among the design of UGSs (e.g., spatial distribution and accessibility, characteristics of plants and UGSs), older adults’ perceptions on safety and aesthetics quality of UGSs, and their self-reported health conditions (assessed by the self-reported SF-12v2 Health Survey) were investigated with bivariate Spearman rank correlation tests. The results indicate that the duration of visits to UGSs was positively associated with mental health and social functioning, two subscales evaluating health-related quality of life in SF 12v2. The statistical model (moderation analysis) showed that such a correlation was especially significant in women and those with low social support and social capital. A positive relationship was found between the physical health subscale and perceived safety in UGSs. This relationship was stronger among older adults living alone (moderation analysis). Furthermore, the color of plants and maintenance condition of UGSs were significant aspects affecting the subjective assessment of aesthetic quality. This study provides useful information regarding how to plan and design urban green spaces with certain characteristics that could improve the accessibility and aesthetic quality, which are preferred by older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng Tan & Kevin Ka-Lun Lau & Adam Charles Roberts & Stessa Tzu-Yuan Chao & Edward Ng, 2019. "Designing Urban Green Spaces for Older Adults in Asian Cities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-23, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:22:p:4423-:d:285962
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Deepti Adlakha & Mina Chandra & Murali Krishna & Lee Smith & Mark A. Tully, 2021. "Designing Age-Friendly Communities: Exploring Qualitative Perspectives on Urban Green Spaces and Ageing in Two Indian Megacities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-12, February.
    6. Ögçe, Hüseyin & Sarı, Elif Nur & Kaya, Meltem Erdem, 2024. "Assessing the visual landscape of Istanbul Bosphorus: Exploring the role of vegetation and built environment characteristics," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
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    8. Jingjing Lin & Xinyang Li & Jinghan Lin, 2024. "Evaluation of Age-Appropriate Public Seats in Comprehensive Parks and Sustainable Design Strategies Based on the Kano-Importance–Performance Analysis Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-25, August.
    9. Phi-Yen Nguyen & Thomas Astell-Burt & Hania Rahimi-Ardabili & Xiaoqi Feng, 2021. "Green Space Quality and Health: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-38, October.
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