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Associations Between Physical Features and Behavioral Patterns in Macau Outdoor Community Public Spaces and Older Adults’ Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Author

Listed:
  • Hong-Zhan Lai

    (Department of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China)

  • Stephen Siu-Yu Lau

    (Department of Humanities and Arts, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
    Department of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Chen-Yi Sun

    (Department of Land Economics, National Chengchi University, Taipei 11605, Taiwan)

Abstract

Objective: This exploratory study examines potential associations between the physical features and behavioral patterns of outdoor community public spaces and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) performance of older adults in Macau. IADLs refer to abilities that reflect functional independence and cognitive capacity. Methods: Nine representative public spaces were selected in Macau. Field measurements of spatial features, non-participant behavioral observations, and standardized IADL assessments were conducted. Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were employed to examine relationships among environmental factors, observed behaviors, and IADL scores. Variable selection is based on theoretical support and statistical methods, including correlation analysis and Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) diagnostics. Results: Findings suggest that a higher visible greenery ratio and a greater density of resting facilities are positively associated with IADL performance. Conversely, frequent engagement in sedentary activities, such as playing board or card games, appears to be linked to lower functional independence. Conclusions: This study highlights possible associations between public space characteristics and older adults’ functional independence. The results underscore the need to further explore how spatial design and behavioral patterns may relate to aging in urban environments. Enhancing green visibility and increasing resting facilities could potentially support functional independence, whereas reducing prolonged sedentary behaviors may also be beneficial. These insights offer preliminary guidance for policymakers and urban planners aiming to develop more age-friendly environments in high-density cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong-Zhan Lai & Stephen Siu-Yu Lau & Chen-Yi Sun, 2025. "Associations Between Physical Features and Behavioral Patterns in Macau Outdoor Community Public Spaces and Older Adults’ Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:955-:d:1644915
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ling Zhang & Kebin Shao & Wenfeng Tang & Stephen Siu Yu Lau & Hongzhan Lai & Yiqi Tao, 2023. "Outdoor Space Elements in Urban Residential Areas in Shenzhen, China: Optimization Based on Health-Promoting Behaviours of Older People," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-23, May.
    2. Diana Portela & Marta Almada & Luís Midão & Elísio Costa, 2020. "Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADL) Limitations in Europe: An Assessment of SHARE Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Shan Lu & Wonseok Oh & Ryozo Ooka & Lijun Wang, 2022. "Effects of Environmental Features in Small Public Urban Green Spaces on Older Adults’ Mental Restoration: Evidence from Tokyo," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-22, April.
    4. Nobuaki Moriyama & Yoshitaka Nishikawa & Wataru Hoshi & Tomomi Kuga & Hajime Iwasa & Tomoo Murayama & Tatsuya Itagaki & Yuta Saito & Seiji Yasumura, 2021. "Association of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Physical Function, and Mental Health among Older Returnees after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Accident," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-10, November.
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