Welcome to Francis Academic Press

The Frontiers of Society, Science and Technology, 2025, 7(2); doi: 10.25236/FSST.2025.070202.

A Study on Community Green Space Design Strategies Based on the Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Outdoor Activities of the Elderly

Author(s)

Xuebing Ren, Hongjin Ren, Wenyu Feng, Pengcheng Du, Wenke Ma

Corresponding Author:
Xuebing Ren
Affiliation(s)

School of Architecture and Art, North China University of Technology, Beijing, China, 100144

Abstract

In the context of rapid population aging and the severe lack of age-friendly design in outdoor physical activity spaces for the elderly in China, this study, based on behavioral observation methodology, investigates outdoor physical activities of elderly individuals in Shijingshan inner district community park during winter. The aim is to explore the spatiotemporal characteristics of outdoor physical activities among the elderly and provide a basis for redesigning community park spaces to be more age-friendly. The findings show that elderly men are more active in the afternoon, while women, influenced by their daily routines, engage in less activity in the morning. In winter, activities are more static in the morning and dynamic in the afternoon. In terms of spatial distribution, men tend to be scattered across the park, while women concentrate in sunlit areas. The spatial clustering is influenced by the venue, vegetation, and facilities. Among the types of activities, social interaction activities have the highest proportion, followed by fitness activities. Based on these findings, the paper proposes several suggestions for improvement, such as optimizing the design of activity areas, rationally configuring fitness equipment, and increasing the diversity of resting spaces to better meet the needs of elderly individuals, enhance the age-friendly functionality of community parks, and promote healthy aging.

Keywords

Elderly, Outdoor Physical Activity, Age-Friendly Design, Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics, Community Green Space

Cite This Paper

Xuebing Ren, Hongjin Ren, Wenyu Feng, Pengcheng Du, Wenke Ma. A Study on Community Green Space Design Strategies Based on the Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Outdoor Activities of the Elderly. The Frontiers of Society, Science and Technology (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 2: 9-15. https://doi.org/10.25236/FSST.2025.070202.

References

[1] Jia Zhihao. The impact of public sports space perception on health-related quality of life of elderly people in community.2023. Shandong university, MA thesis. Doi: 10.27272 /, dc nki. Gshdu. 2023.005191.

[2] Wang, D., et al., Neighbouring green space and mortality in community-dwelling elderly Hong Kong Chinese: a cohort study. BMJ Open, 2017. 7.

[3] Wu, C.J., Ni, J., and Wang, Z.Y., Community differentiation of the effects of the urban built environment and physical activity on the health of older adults. Research in Physical Education, 2023. 37(05): p. 49-61.

[4] Chen, Jizhou and Zhang, Jianjian, A study on the association between community park space and outdoor activity characteristics of the elderly. Chinese Garden, 2022. 38(04): p. 86-91.

[5] Guo Rong and He Yimeng. Optimization of Community Walking Environment Based on the Behavioral Characteristics of the Elderly: A Case Study of Haicheng Street Community in Harbin City. In 2020/2021 China Urban Planning Annual Conference and 2021 China Urban Planning Academic Quarter. 2021. Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

[6] Li Yifei. Research on evaluation and optimization of walking space in Capital core area based on the living circle of elderly groups.2023. Beijing university of architecture, MA thesis. Doi: 10.26943 /, dc nki. GBJZC. 2023.000113.

[7] Cui Hongjun, et al., Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Evening Leisure Activities of the Elderly. Science and Technology Herald, 2020. 38(12): p. 169-175.

[8] Stokols, D., Establishing and maintaining healthy environments. Toward a social ecology of health promotion. Am Psychol, 1992. 47(1): p. 6-22.

[9] Canter, D., The purposive evaluation of places: A facet approach. Environment and Behavior, 1983. 15(6): p. 659-698. 

[10] Rowe, J.W. and R.L. Kahn, Successful Aging 2.0: Conceptual Expansions for the 21st Century. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2015. 70(4): p. 593-596.

[11] King, A.C. and D.K. King, Physical activity for an aging population. Public health reviews, 2010. 32: p. 401-426.

[12] Gehl, J., “Three Types of Outdoor Activities,”“Life Between Buildings,” and “Outdoor Activities and the Quality of Outdoor Space”: Selection from Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space, 6th edn (2011), in The City Reader. 2020, Routledge. p. 593-602.