What is it about?
What is this study about? As people get older, many want to continue living in their own homes and neighborhoods. However, in many older city neighborhoods in China, the outdoor spaces—like parks, walking paths, and seating areas—are not well-designed to support healthy aging. This study looks at how we can improve these neighborhoods so older adults can stay active, social, and healthy while continuing to live in their communities. What did the researchers do? The research team focused on an older neighborhood in Suzhou, China, called Cuiyuan. They observed how older residents used outdoor spaces, tracked their daily movements using GPS, and conducted interviews to understand their needs and preferences. The goal was to see which features of the neighborhood encouraged walking, exercise, socializing, and relaxation. What did they find? Older adults prefer outdoor spaces that are safe, green, comfortable, and easy to access. Simple things like benches, shaded areas, smooth walking paths, and pleasant views greatly increase how much older adults go outside and socialize. Many seniors also travel beyond their immediate neighborhood to visit parks, markets, and community centers, especially if those places are welcoming and socially engaging. Older adults often adapt spaces themselves—for example, by bringing their own chairs to a grassy area to sit and chat with friends. Community centers play a vital role in providing activities, social events, and volunteer opportunities that support mental and social well-being.
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Photo by Kate Bezzubets on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable cities and communities With many countries, including China, experiencing rapidly aging populations, creating neighborhoods that help older adults stay healthy and connected is essential. This research provides practical ideas for city planners, community leaders, and policymakers to make neighborhoods more age-friendly—not only in China, but in aging communities worldwide.
Perspectives
Instead of just renovating one building or one small area at a time, the study suggests: Think neighborhood-wide: Improve walking connections, green spaces, and seating across whole neighborhoods—not just inside housing complexes. Link neighborhoods to the wider city: Make sure older adults can easily reach parks, markets, clinics, and cultural sites within a 15-minute walk or bus ride. Design with flexibility: Create spaces that can be easily adapted by residents, such as movable seating or multi-use areas. Support social connections: Strengthen community centers and organize activities that encourage interaction and volunteering among older adults.
Dr./Prof. Bing Chen
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: How to renovate old residential communities to support healthy ageing-in-place at a neighbourhood level? A case study in Suzhou, China, Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, December 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/13467581.2025.2605774.
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