The Role of Urban Parks in Promoting Social Interaction of Older Adults in China

Abstract

Urban parks play a crucial role in enhancing the social interactions of older adults. However, despite the broad recognition of urban parks’ benefits, there is a notable gap in research focusing on their role in promoting social interactions, particularly in Asia. This study explores the effects of personal, social, and physical factors and park use patterns on older adults’ social interactions. Survey data from 589 older adults aged 50 years or older were collected through face-to-face and online questionnaires and were analyzed using a hierarchical multiple regression model. The results showed that personal factors, social factors, physical factors, and park use patterns explained 10.8%, 8.2%, 9.4%, and 2.3% of the total variance in park social interactions, respectively. Key factors like gender, health status, social cohesion, features, conditions, accessibility, and park use patterns were found to significantly influence these interactions. This study provides empirical evidence to support the important role of urban parks in facilitating social interactions among older adults and contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex factors affecting these interactions. To meet the needs of older adults and maximize the social health benefits, these prominent factors should be emphasized in policy development and interventions, integrating older adults’ perceptions and personal experiences.