The influence of community park characteristics on satisfaction in Guangzhou: Moderating and mediating effects analysis

Abstract

Community parks in old urban areas have problems such as outdated facilities and low quality, which inhibit the development of healthy aging. However, limited research has examined the correlation between such park characteristics and park satisfaction among elderly individuals. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. In this investigation, a moderated mediation framework grounded in self-determination theory was formulated to probe the interplay between these variables, with a specific focus on the mediating influence of social self-efficacy among the elderly and the moderating effect of use intention. A questionnaire survey (N = 319) was conducted in Shamian Park, Guangzhou, employing structural equation modeling for data analysis. Findings indicate that, even after controlling for demographic factors, park characteristics not only exert a direct influence on satisfaction but also exhibit an indirect impact through the mediation of social self-efficacy, with both pathways being moderated by use intention. This study has implications for how to improve the design of community parks in old urban areas in developing countries to better meet the basic needs of the elderly and promote healthy aging.