Age-friendly urban landscapes
A case study analysis of senior residents' usage behaviour and preferences toward green open spaces in Copenhagen (Denmark)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36249/4d.69.4327Keywords:
Age-friendly, Urban landscape, Healthscape, liveable city, Well-beingAbstract
As the world’s population ages, cities must be prepared to adapt their urban forms, to become inclusive for elderly people with different needs and capacities. Studies have shown that exposure to qualitative natural urban settings may reduce pain, verbal agitation and cognitive decline, accelerate recovery from certain disabilities and increase longevity. Research has also proved that people are more likely to make use of the landscapes they like the most, while brains and bodies give a subconscious and immediate positive response to these landscapes. However, very little research has been conducted on seniors’ preferences regarding nature-based urban or suburban recreation. The aim of this study is to assess elderly people’s preferences and usage behavior regarding urban and suburban public greenspaces in Copenhagen. The research started with a quantitative green space analysis of the metropolis, which also helped me to divide the green spaces into types. A questionnaire was distributed to obtain information from elderly citizens (over 60 years’ old) about their preferences and usage of urban or suburban parks and the proximity of these spaces to their homes. An observation study was conducted to evaluate the popularity among older adults of different types of urban or suburban greenspaces in the Danish capital and to examine the characteristics of those parks nominated as the most popular in the questionnaire. Copenhagen is rich in green and blue spaces, which are evenly distributed across the region. According to the questionnaire, in which 80 elderly citizens took part, the favourite park type is the historical villa, located in urban areas or with special attractions, nice natural areas, organised activities and biodiverse. These villas also remind elderly people of their childhood. Nevertheless, parks that are within a 5–10 minute walk of their homes are more frequented. Based on the observation study, the most popular and most used by fragile elderly people are the smaller green and blue spaces, especially the urban parks with lakes or neighbourhood parks, located all around the region, which give every citizen, no matter where they live, easy access to green and blue spaces
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Copyright (c) 2023 Caronte-Veisz Adrienn, Matteo Piccinno, Chiara Giuliani
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