What is it about?
As cities around the world age, it’s important to create neighborhoods where older adults can stay healthy, active, and connected. Green spaces like parks, gardens, and walking paths in communities play a big role in promoting physical and mental well-being. This study looks at how to design these spaces to better meet the needs of older residents, using real neighborhoods in Suzhou, China, as examples. What did the researchers do? The team studied two residential communities in Suzhou with lots of older adults. They spent time observing how seniors used existing green spaces—where they walked, sat, socialized, or exercised. They also interviewed 40 older residents, showing them photos of different park designs to understand what features they preferred, such as seating, shade, plants, water features, or exercise equipment. What did they find? Older adults have diverse and sometimes competing needs: they want spaces that are safe, comfortable, healthy, social, and beautiful—all at once. There’s often a gap between what people say they want and how they actually use spaces. For example, while many said they wanted benches and shaded areas, they didn’t always use the spaces that had them if other needs weren’t met. Design preferences vary by age, gender, and background. Younger seniors preferred active spaces with exercise equipment, while older seniors valued rest areas and safety. Some preferred natural, sensory-rich environments; others wanted practical, easy-to-use spaces. Simple, thoughtful features—like seating along pathways, shady pavilions, flat walking surfaces, water elements, and colorful plants—were highly valued across groups. Social habits matter—some residents gathered even in less-comfortable areas (like near trash stations) because those spots were socially active and convenient.
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Why is it important?
Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable cities and communities With more people aging in their own homes and neighborhoods, well-designed community green spaces can help them stay physically active, mentally healthy, and socially connected. This research provides practical ideas for making parks and outdoor areas more welcoming and beneficial for older adults—ideas that can be applied in aging communities worldwide.
Perspectives
What do the researchers recommend? To create green spaces that truly support healthy aging, planners and designers should: Design with real behavior in mind, not just stated preferences. Include a variety of features to meet different needs: seating, shade, safe walkways, exercise options, water features, and nature elements. Consider local culture and habits—spaces should encourage social interaction, which is highly valued in many communities. Use plants strategically—not only for beauty but also for shade, air quality, and sensory engagement. Adapt designs for different groups—what works for a 60-year-old may not work for an 80-year-old.
Dr./Prof. Bing Chen
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Landscape Design Strategies for Healthy Aging-in-Place in Communities: Case Studies from Suzhou, China, Buildings, October 2024, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/buildings14113427.
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