Speaker
Description
As urban populations age, understanding how urban green spaces (UGS) can cater to the needs of elderly residents is increasingly important. This study investigates how UGS quality influences leisure opportunities and contributes to the psychological well-being of elderly users. Drawing on the Recreationist-Environment Fit and Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) theories, the research focuses on key UGS attributes—accessibility, safety, sensory features, and maintenance—and their impact on reducing social isolation and enhancing psychological well-being. The study is situated in Wong Tai Sin, a district with the city’s largest elderly population. A comparative analysis of two parks, Fung Tak Park and Morse Park, was conducted using semi-structured interviews and surveys to understand how park features align with the preferences and needs of elderly users. Preliminary findings reveal that high-quality parks with sensory-rich features, safe and accessible pathways, and well-maintained facilities foster active and passive leisure opportunities. These opportunities, in turn, enhance psychological outcomes by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and encouraging social interaction. The alignment between environmental qualities and elderly users’ recreational preferences (Recreationist-Environment Fit) highlights the direct role of UGS quality in mitigating loneliness and enhancing psychological well-being. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating thoughtful design elements into urban parks to support psychological well-being among aging populations.
| Keywords | Urban green spaces; inclusion; elderly populations; psychological well-being; age-friendly cities |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
