Landscape Design Strategies for Healthy Aging-in-Place in Communities: Case Studies from Suzhou, China

Abstract

As the global population ages, the World Health Organization promotes “Healthy Aging” to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. In China, with its substantial aging population, the “9073” elderly care mode, which prioritizes community-based care, was implemented in 2011. However, the specific needs of elderly residents in different climatic and cultural contexts are often overlooked. This study addresses this gap by examining how community green space design can support healthy aging, using Suzhou as a case study due to its significant elderly population. This research examines the relationship between community environments, elderly needs, and behaviors. Our findings reveal that elderly residents have complex needs, seeking safety, comfort, health, social interaction, and spiritual richness simultaneously. A mismatch was observed between their stated preferences for features like seating and shade and their actual usage patterns, suggesting that existing green spaces may not fully meet their needs. This study underscores the importance of incorporating both expressed preferences and proactive design strategies to enhance the healthy benefit of community green spaces. These insights support the “Healthy China 2030” strategy and promote the well-being of elders, contributing to sustainable urban regeneration.

1. Introduction

Population aging has become a major global challenge. To address this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced the concept of “Healthy Aging”, prioritizing the health of the elderly [1]. As the country with the largest aging population, China faces unprecedented social pressure and demands. In response, the Chinese government has implemented the “9073” elderly care system, in which 90% of the elderly are cared for at home, 7% rely on community services, and 3% are cared for in professional elderly care institutions [2]. Under this model, residential communities become the primary living and activity space for the elderly, and the quality of the community environment directly affects their quality of life. Within the community environment, green spaces serve as essential activity areas for the elderly, providing safe and convenient outdoor spaces that significantly benefit both their physical and mental health through multi-sensory interaction [3,4]. However, as the aging population rapidly grows, the Chinese government also faces the challenge of aging communities. In response, the central government initiated a renovation plan in 2019 for old residential communities that were built during the 1970s to early 2000s [5], offering an opportunity to address the previous deficiencies in green space design. However, the current community renovations tend to focus more on building facade retrofits and updating community services [6,7], often overlooking landscape design, particularly regarding plant selection and configuration. In reality, the health benefits of community green spaces depend highly on the choice and arrangement of plants [8]. Given China’s vast territory and significant climatic differences, the selection of suitable plant species must consider the local climate conditions in order to better meet the actual needs of the elderly residents and achieve ecological and social sustainability.

Environmental behavior theories emphasize the role of the environment in shaping human behavior and are widely used to study the complex relationships between environment, human needs, and behavior [9,10]. This study applies environmental psychology to explore the relationship between community environments and elderly behavior, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of landscape design by analyzing the elderly’s use of community spaces. The existing research has extensively explored the impact of environmental factors on elderly behavior and needs, particularly in community green space design [11,12,13]. These studies have shown that environmental design significantly affects the health and behavior of the elderly. However, the current literature often overlooks the connection between specific design strategies and elderly behavior from a designer’s perspective [14,15]. Previous studies have shown that community green space design not only affects the physical activities performed by the elderly, but also significantly improves their mental health [16,17,18]. However, the existing research tends to focus on the overall health benefits of green space design without fully considering the unique environmental needs of the elderly [19,20]. Standardized designs, while simplifying the design process, often ignore the differences in climate conditions, cultural backgrounds, and needs of the elderly residents. Davern and Farrar [21] highlighted the importance of plant diversity in enhancing the attractiveness of green spaces; however, the optimization of plant selection in different climate zones to ensure adaptability and long-term survival remains inadequately addressed. Additionally, research has shown that standardized green space designs in cold northern regions fail to account for the harsh winter climate, resulting in a significant decline in green space usage by the elderly during cold seasons [22]. In contrast, standardized designs in the humid southern regions fail to effectively address high-temperature and high-humidity environments, also limiting the elderly’s use of green spaces [11].

Furthermore, environmental psychology research reveals the importance of design details, such as spatial scale and color materials, for the elderly’s use of spaces. Studies have shown that these design details are often overlooked in existing community green spaces, limiting the frequency of green space usage by the elderly and weakening the health-promoting functions of these spaces [12,23,24]. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the environment, human needs, and behavior is crucial for optimizing community green space design. This study applies environmental psychology theory to analyze the elderly’s use of community spaces and proposes design optimization suggestions that align with local climate conditions and resident needs, aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of community green spaces. The selected case study city, Suzhou, reflects a significant aging trend, with the seventh national census showing that the elderly population aged 60 and above accounts for 24.3% of the total population [25], significantly higher than the national average of 18.7% [26]. Suzhou is not only representative in terms of aging, but also offers unique advantages for research due to its geographical location and climate conditions. Located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone with distinct seasons, Suzhou boasts rich native plant resources such as plum, bamboo, pine, and osmanthus, which not only adapt to the local climate, but also carry deep cultural connotations. Against this backdrop, selecting Suzhou as the case study site ensures that the green space design for the plant selection aligns with the local ecological conditions while incorporating cultural elements to enhance the design’s social-cultural value.

This study aims to develop effective green space design strategies that cater to the needs of different elderly groups, with specific objectives including the following: (1) identifying the diversified needs and preferences of elderly populations from different backgrounds to provide precise green space design strategies that better meet the specific needs of various elderly groups; (2) exploring the impact of different design strategies on elderly behavior, with the goal of promoting the active use of green spaces by the elderly; and (3) selecting effective green space design strategies based on environmental psychology. This study proposes a set of replicable and scalable green space design strategies that can be applied to other aging regions in China, providing practical references for nationwide community green space optimization and contributing to the realization of the “Healthy China 2030” strategy.

2. Methodology

This research employed a mixed-methods approach to explore elderly residents’ preferences for community green space design in two selected communities in Wujiang, Suzhou. The methodology included unstructured observations to identify activity hotspots and gather data on residents’ behavior and landscape use, followed by semi-structured interviews with 40 elderly participants. Using photos of hypothetical design schemes, the interviews aimed to capture design preferences and understand the gap between stated preferences and actual usage. This study identified key design strategies to create age-friendly community spaces. Moreover, the MATLAB (the 2023 version) and SPSS (SPSS Statistics 29) were used for data analysis.

2.1. Site Selection

2.1.1. Location of the Selected Community

Suzhou, located in Jiangsu Province within the Yangtze River Delta, is known for its classical gardens and economic development, as presented in Figure 1. In 2018, Suzhou was ranked as the seventh city in China in terms of its GDP, with approximately 80% of its population living in urban areas [27]. Suzhou’s wet subtropical marine climate features ample precipitation (1000 mm) and a moderate mean annual temperature (17 °C), supporting diverse vegetation [28,29]. These factors make exploring landscape design for healthy aging in Suzhou highly relevant. Wujiang is located in the south of Suzhou [30] and has a higher percentage of older adults [27]. Recent urbanization in Wujiang has focused on regenerating the old town and developing the new town. As a result, government offices and younger residents have moved out of the old town, leaving it predominantly residential with a high density of older adults [30].

2.1.2. Criteria for Selecting Communities

This research, in collaboration with the Wujiang Taihu New Construction Bureau, selected case study communities from a list of 96 scheduled for renovation between 2021 and 2025, provided by the Wujiang government. The selection was based on four criteria. First, the focus was on communities built after 2000 to implement the government’s plan, resulting in 19 eligible communities. This is because the central government has already started reconstructing the old residential communities that were built during the 1970s to early 2000s [5], and thus, to provide guidance for future reconstruction, this study selected communities built after 2000. Second, only communities within the Taihu New City area were considered where the demographic data were available, narrowing the selection to 5. Third, only multi-story residential communities were included, excluding self-built houses and mixed-use areas, such as villas, further reducing the selection to 4 communities. Finally, according to GB50180-2018 “Standards for Urban Residential Area Planning and Design”, [31] communities had to include three types of green spaces—inter-building, activity, and road green spaces—which resulted in 2 selected communities, with TH being a commercial community and MS a relocation community. Detailed information is provided in

Table 1. Basic information for the selected communities.

Properties	MS Community	TH Community
Build time	2002	2004
Building type	Resettlement	Commercial
Area (m2)	About 120,000	About 70,000
Greening rate	About 35%	About 32%

.

2.2. Observation

Observation is a widely recognized data collection method used in qualitative research, especially when studying human activities in public spaces [32]. This method enables researchers to identify discrepancies between individuals’ stated intentions and their actual behaviors, thereby providing valuable insights into end-users’ needs and how they interact with their environments [32,33]. However, observation is often criticized for its inability to interpret the underlying intentions behind behaviors within specific contexts [34]. To address this limitation, observation is combined with follow-up interviews or focus groups, which allows for a more comprehensive understanding and facilitates the cross-checking of data from multiple sources.

Observation Protocol

Before conducting the official observations, several rounds of unstructured observations were carried out to gain a comprehensive understanding of the activity hotspots for older residents in the target communities. According to previous research, the observations normally occurred at various times, between 07:00 and 20:00, in a day [35,36]. To identify these hotspots, a prepared map was utilized, along with photos taken with a smartphone and handwritten notes. The selected observation sites in each community are presented in Figure 2 and Figure 3. These preliminary observations helped to pinpoint key nodes where older residents engaged in activities across different types of green spaces. In addition to the three types of green spaces outlined in the Residential Green Space Design Standard (CJJ/T294-2019) [37], activities were also observed in facility green spaces (a type of green space defined in the Standard that is intended to separate equipment from residents and is not designed for resident activities). The primary observation objects were older residents participating in activities within the target communities, with characteristics recorded, including gender, estimated age groups, types of activities, and interactions with other older residents. Similar to previous research in this field [38], age estimations were made based on visual appearances. Simultaneously, the landscape characteristics of each site were analyzed to determine if the design strategies from the hypothesized schemes were present. Observations occurred over ten days in early September 2022 under clear weather conditions, following the daily routines of older residents from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. and from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., which was determined based on the previous pilot study. Two observers conducted the sessions, ensuring each site was observed for an entire day, with notes and photos taken for documentation, and the standardized observation protocols strategy was applied to ensure uniformity in data collection by providing clear guidelines on what to document [39]. Observations were made on both weekdays and weekends to compare any differences.

2.3. Interviews with Photo-Elicitation

The interview aimed to obtain preferences from older residents regarding landscape design (with a focus on vegetation configuration) at the community level; therefore, a printed booklet of pictures that contained relevant design strategies was used for better communication.

2.3.1. Exploration of Perceptual Gaps Between Designers and End-Users

Visual research methods are extensively used in design research to translate ideas into visual representations, particularly in the ideation and development phases [40]. These methods are essential for effectively communicating with a wider audience, especially during public consultations or when engaging with non-experts who may lack the relevant knowledge [41]. Some scholars argue that the underuse of outdoor environments is often due to a poor understanding of older residents’ behavioral needs [42]. As the primary users of community-level outdoor spaces, the preferences of older residents are considered the “gold standard” for evaluating living environments [43]. However, design recommendations from professionals frequently include jargon and technical terms, making them difficult for older adults to understand [44]. Research has shown that different results can arise depending on whether visual or verbal research methods are used, with visual methods often providing more accessible insights [45].

To bridge the gap in knowledge and preferences among various stakeholders, a “common language” is necessary to facilitate communication between experts and end-users [46]. This common language helps to ensure that design inputs, such as strategies, are more easily understood and evaluated by end-users. In this study, photoshopped images presented in printed booklets were used as this “common language” to facilitate semi-structured interviews. Such visual tools make it easier for participants to identify and choose between design outcomes, ensuring that their preferences are accurately captured [47]. This approach has been widely applied in research focused on assessing end-users’ preferences for outdoor space design, particularly among older adults [44,48].

2.3.2. Production and Use of Pictures in Interviews

Before creating the final images, the researcher took photos of various green space types from existing communities in Wujiang, such as green spaces between buildings, group green spaces, and road green spaces. To achieve a more immersive effect, photo angles were carefully selected, and efforts were made to incorporate foreground elements and depth cues to enhance the sense of realism [44]. The photos used in the interviews were taken on overcast days to minimize strong shadows that could obscure important details [46]. Each final image comprised an underlying photo and additional elements to illustrate the design outcomes based on relevant strategies. The underlying photos were chosen based on three criteria [48], as follows: (1) they were taken from a balanced view that was close to the eye level of the elderly; (2) they can represent typical landscapes at the community level in this region; and (3) they were feasibly editable (to comprehensively consider the clarity of the photos, the space available for adding landscape design elements, whether it falls under one of the three types of green spaces, etc.). The added elements, selected from the photos, were chosen with the aim of enhancing realism and helping older respondents to visualize themselves within the setting [44].

While previous studies often relied solely on summer photos for the underlying layer, neglecting seasonal variations [48], this research included images depicting different seasons to provide the older residents with a comprehensive view of the designed landscapes. During the production of these images, design strategies were derived from a comprehensive review of the relevant literature. The relationship between “landscape design, elderly needs, and elderly behaviors” was established based on environmental psychology theories, which informed the selection of design strategies. For example, for the behavior of “sitting”, design strategies that align with elderly preferences for landscape features were identified and integrated into the final design schemes for seating areas, as shown in Figure 4. A total of eight images were created, printed into a booklet, and included illustrations of the design schemes and strategies. These images provided a visual representation that facilitated understanding and engagement during the semi-structured interviews with the older residents.

2.4. Pre-Test

During the pre-test, 10 older residents from three age groups were given a booklet containing eight design scheme images and asked to select their preferred designs and specific strategies. However, most participants found it overwhelming and remarked that all of the images were good, typically choosing only one or two. When asked, they mentioned that the number of images was too large, making it difficult to decide. Therefore, the approach was adjusted by providing only 2–3 images per type of green space and asking participants to choose one. This adjustment significantly increased their participation. The data collected from the pre-test were not included in the final analysis.

2.5. Data Collection

2.5.1. Methodology-Stratified Proportional Sampling

To enhance the representativeness of the participants in this study, a stratified purposive sampling method was employed. As shown in

Table 2. The demographic information regarding the selected communities.

Category	MS Community	TH Community
Residents in total	1216	1031
Aging rate (round to the nearest integer)	19%	21%
55–64 Age group	97	100
65–74 Age group	73	62
74 and above Age group	61	52

, in this approach, the population was divided into non-overlapping groups (i.e., strata), and respondents were selected based on the proportion of each stratum within the total population [49]. Age was used as the basis for stratification, as research indicates that older residents in different age groups exhibit varying activity patterns at the community level [50]. With the support of the local community, the most up-to-date age distribution data within each community were obtained. Based on the proportions of older adults in different age groups, interviews were conducted with a total of 19 and 21 elderly residents in the MS and TH communities, respectively.

2.5.2. Detailed Collection Protocol

Participants were selected based on two criteria, as follows: they had lived in the community for at least one year and were aged 55 years or older, reflecting China’s average retirement age. Individuals with cognitive impairments or requiring physical assistance were excluded. In September 2022, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted within the communities, lasting 15–20 min each, recorded, and transcribed. To minimize disruption, the interviews were held after observation sessions, allowing for more contextually accurate responses [51]. The participants were briefed on the research purpose and ethical considerations before the interviews, which were divided into three sections. Section A gathered demographic data to explore how personal characteristics might affect perceptions of landscape design. Section B focused on the participants’ outdoor green space usage patterns, cross-checking with observational data. Section C, the core of this study, explored the participants’ preferences for designed landscapes based on the outdoor activities they identified in Section B. Finally, data collection was concluded after data saturation was reached.

2.6. The Demographic Information of Interviewees from Selected Communities

This section analyzes the demographic information of 40 interviewees from the MS and TH communities, with key insights into gender, age, residence, household composition, access to green spaces, and satisfaction with living environments. In Western countries, research on the elderly typically focuses on those aged 60 or 65 years and older [52,53,54], based on the United Nations’ definition of the elderly population [55]. However, in China, national policies set the earliest retirement age at 55. As a result, 55-year-olds have become the primary users of community environments [56]. Therefore, this study sets 55 years as the starting age for research and uses the traditional 10-year grouping method to divide the elderly population into three groups.

In the MS community (

Table 3. The statistics of interviewees’ information from the MS community.

No.	Gender	Age 1	Growth Environment	Duration/Years	Cohabitant 2	Community 3	Nearby Green Spaces 3	Satisfaction Level 4
1	M	a	Countryside	16	S	Y	N	3
2	M	a	City	15	S	Y	N	2
3	M	b	Countryside	4	O, G	Y	N	2
4	M	b	County	20	S	Y	N	2
5	M	b	Countryside	14	O	Y	N	4
6	M	c	Countryside	13	S	Y	N	4
7	M	c	Countryside	14	S	Y	N	3
8	M	c	Countryside	16	S	Y	N	5
9	F	a	Countryside	16	S	Y	N	3
10	F	a	Countryside	5	O	Y	N	2
11	F	a	Countryside	16	S	Y	N	1
12	F	a	Countryside	14	O	Y	Y	3
13	F	a	Countryside	17	S	Y	N	3
14	F	a	County	13	O	Y	N	3
15	F	b	Countryside	16	S	Y	Y	2
16	F	b	Countryside	12	S	Y	Y	2
17	F	b	Countryside	8	S, O, G	Y	N	2
18	F	c	Countryside	10	S	Y	N	3
19	F	c	countryside	14	S	Y	N	2

Hint: 1. Classification of age groups: a: 55–64 years old; b: 65–74 years old; c: 75 and above years old. 2. Cohabitant: S: Spouse; O: Offspring; G: Grandchildren. 3. Y: Yes; N: No. 4. Satisfaction level: 1: Very dissatisfied, 2: Somewhat dissatisfied, 3: Neutral, 4: Somewhat satisfied, 5: Very satisfied.

), there are 19 interviewees (8 males and 11 females). The age distribution includes 8 interviewees aged 55–64, 6 aged 65–74, and 5 aged 75 years and above. Most interviewees (15 out of 19) grew up in the countryside, with their duration of residence in MS ranging from 4 to 17 years. Thirteen live with a spouse, while others cohabit with offspring or grandchildren. Nearly all engage with community green spaces, but three women also use nearby public spaces. Most report being neutral (level 3) or somewhat dissatisfied (level 2) with their living environment, and 74% believe the community green space has poor or no design.

In the TH community (

Table 4. The statistics of interviewees’ information from the TH community.

No.	Gender	Age 1	Growth Environment	Duration/Years	Cohabitant 2	Community 3	Nearby Green Spaces 3	Satisfaction Level 4
1	M	a	City	15	S	Y	N	4
2	M	a	City	16	S	N	Y	2
3	M	b	Countryside	2	S, O, G	N	Y	1
4	M	b	City	3	S, O, G	N	Y	2
5	M	c	Countryside	14	S	Y	Y	4
6	M	c	Countryside	15	S	Y	N	3
7	M	c	Countryside	10	S, O, G	Y	N	2
8	F	a	Countryside	5	O, G	Y	Y	1
9	F	a	Countryside	16	O, G	N	Y	2
10	F	a	Countryside	9	O, G	Y	N	2
11	F	a	Countryside	3	O, G	N	Y	1
12	F	a	Countryside	18	O, G	Y	N	3
13	F	a	Countryside	10	S, O	Y	N	2
14	F	a	City	16	S	N	Y	1
15	F	a	Countryside	12	S, O, G	N	Y	2
16	F	b	Countryside	10	O, G	Y	N	3
17	F	b	Countryside	1	O, G	N	Y	2
18	F	b	Countryside	15	O	Y	N	3
19	F	b	Countryside	3	O, G	Y	Y	3
20	F	c	Countryside	8	O, G	Y	N	1
21	F	c	Countryside	5	O, G	N	Y	1

Hint: 1. Classification of age groups: a: 55–64 years old; b: 65–74 years old; c: 75 and above years old. 2. Cohabitant: S: Spouse; O: Offspring; G: Grandchildren. 3. Y: Yes; N: No. 4. Satisfaction level: 1: Very dissatisfied, 2: Somewhat dissatisfied, 3: Neutral, 4: Somewhat satisfied, 5: Very satisfied.

), there are 21 interviewees (7 males and 14 females). The age breakdown includes 10 in the 55–64 range, 6 in the 65–74 range, and 5 aged 75 years and above. Similarly, 17 out of 21 grew up in the countryside, with residence duration in TH ranging from 1 to 18 years. Cohabitation patterns vary between living with spouses, offspring, and grandchildren. Community and nearby public green spaces are equally used, with women being more likely to use both. A total of 67% of participants expressed dissatisfaction (level 1 or 2), and 62% noted poor or no green space design.

2.7. Ethical Approval

The research obtained approval from the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s ethics committee and was undertaken with the participants’ consent. The respondents were informed that the interview was completely voluntary and that they could withdraw from the interview anytime and that their responses collected from the interview would be presented anonymously.

3. Results

3.1. The Impact of Residents’ Characteristics on Preference for the Hypothesized Design Schemes

Figure 5 and Figure 6 provide a detailed analysis of the preferences of the interviewees from the MS and TH communities regarding eight different design schemes (as shown in Supplemental Information). The analysis is organized by gender and age groups (55–64 years, 65–74 years, and 75 years and above), focusing on identifying the most preferred schemes in each community and comparing the preferences across the two communities.

In the MS community, the design scheme preferences varied between genders but showed common trends. Men favored Scheme 7 the most (six votes), followed by Schemes 2, 4, and 5 (four votes each). Women also preferred Scheme 7 and Scheme 3 (six votes each), with Scheme 5 close behind (five votes). Overall, Scheme 7 emerged as the most popular among both genders, while Scheme 3 was especially favored by women. When looking at age groups, women in the 55–64 years age range strongly preferred Scheme 3 (seven votes), while men favored Schemes 5 and 7. In the 65–74 years of age group, Scheme 2 was most popular, particularly among men (four votes). For those aged 75 years and above, Scheme 7 was the top choice (five votes), showing broad appeal across all age groups.

In the TH community, Scheme 2 was the clear favorite. Men preferred Scheme 2 (five votes), followed by Schemes 7 and 4. Women overwhelmingly chose Scheme 2 (nine votes), with Schemes 7 and 8 also receiving support (seven votes each). Overall, Scheme 2 was the most popular design, especially among women. In terms of age groups, the 55–64 years of age group, particularly women, strongly favored Scheme 2 (eight votes), followed by Scheme 8. The 65–74 years of age group also preferred Scheme 2 (five votes), with Scheme 7 close behind. Among the 75+ years of age group, the preferences were more distributed, but Scheme 7 remained a popular choice, particularly among men.

Comparing the two communities, a clear difference emerges in the preferred design schemes. While both communities favored Scheme 7, the MS residents, particularly women, showed a significant interest in Scheme 3, which was less popular in TH. On the other hand, the TH residents, particularly women, overwhelmingly preferred Scheme 2, due to its comfort and aesthetic elements, such as water features and visually appealing greenery, which align with the community’s environment and social preferences. However, the MS residents, coming from a relocation background, prioritized more functional and practical design features, highlighting how certain design elements resonate differently across communities. Overall, Scheme 7, which emphasizes comfort and accessibility, with flat walking paths, shaded seating areas, and attractive greenery, designed to encourage relaxation and social interaction among elderly residents, is the most universally preferred design across both communities, with its appeal spanning different genders and age groups.

3.2. The Impact of Residents’ Characteristics on Preference for Design Strategies in Each Scheme

3.2.1. The Impact of Residents’ Gender on Preference for Design Strategies in Each Scheme

This section analyzes the preferences for specific strategies within each hypothesized design scheme based on gender preferences in the MS and TH communities. From Figure 7 and Figure 8, Scheme 2 has emerged as the most preferred design scheme among both male and female participants in both communities, with strategies focused on enhancing the exercise experience, indicating its broad appeal. The most popular strategy was the provision of seating areas (E2), which offer comfort and convenience, allowing the residents to rest during activities. The preference for ensuring relevant equipment (E3) in exercise areas reflects the elderly residents’ desire to maintain an active lifestyle, while the appreciation for water features (E9) and aesthetically pleasing greenery (E10) underscores the importance of creating visually and sensorially appealing environments. These elements enhance the overall experience and encourage continued use of the spaces. By balancing functionality with beauty, these strategies support both physical activity and psychological well-being, which are highly valued by older residents. Together, they reflect a holistic approach to promoting physical activity by combining practicality with an appreciation for nature.

Scheme 7 was the second most favored design scheme. Within this scheme, the top strategy was using benches along walkways (W6), providing comfortable resting areas that cater to both convenience and social interaction. The second most favored strategy was integrating pergolas, pavilions, and gazebos (W7), which offer shade and opportunities for social engagement. The provision of plants along walkways to avoid overly dense vegetation (W2) also ranked high, reflecting a preference for safety and visibility. The strategies chosen under Scheme 7 highlight a strong desire for comfort, social engagement, and natural integration, with a particular emphasis on creating spaces that are both usable and pleasant for everyday activities.

Scheme 8 ranked third in overall preference. The most popular strategy within this scheme was attracting wildlife, such as birds, through strategically placed plants (W14). This strategy appeals to the desire for a rich sensory environment that fosters a connection with nature. The second favored strategy was the inclusion of diverse and interesting vegetation along walking paths (W13), which enhances visual interest and provides sensory stimulation. Strategies such as varying the types of walking routes (W16) and avoiding long, straight paths (W17) were also preferred, indicating a desire for variety and interest in the landscape, as well as a preference for paths that are more engaging and less monotonous.

Scheme 3 also garnered significant attention, particularly with strategies that enhance agricultural planting. The preference for selecting larger individual plants that are easier to see (P7) was prominent, highlighting the need to accommodate for declining vision among the elderly. Another favored strategy was using vibrant and colorful planted forms (P8), which appeal to visual interest and sensory engagement. Providing name tags with information on vegetation (P6) was also appreciated, supporting educational and interactive elements within the landscape. These strategies indicate a desire to create environments that are not only functional and accessible, but also engaging and educational.

Comparing the two communities, both MS and TH showed a strong alignment in the preference for Schemes 2 and 7, focusing on physical activity, comfort, accessibility, and social interaction. However, TH’s preference for Scheme 8’s wildlife and sensory strategies was more pronounced, indicating a higher value being placed on nature and sensory experiences. Meanwhile, the MS participants leaned slightly more towards agricultural planting, as seen in their preference for Scheme 3, which can be explained by the fact that a large percentage of such residents grew up in the countryside and were farmers. This distinction suggests that, while both communities value comfort and nature, the TH residents are more inclined towards immersive, nature-rich experiences, whereas the MS residents prioritize safety and functionality. Moreover, apart from the design strategies provided, residents—especially the female residents—from both communities mentioned a preference for incorporating more warm-colored plants in the design. In summary, the analysis highlights the importance of incorporating various strategies within community design to cater to diverse preferences.

3.2.2. The Impact of Residents’ Age on Preference for Design Strategies in Each Scheme

This section analyzes the preferences for specific strategies within each hypothesized design scheme based on the different age groups in the MS and TH communities. From Figure 9 and Figure 10, Scheme 2 was the preferred design scheme among all age groups in both communities. In both the younger (55–64 years) and middle (65–74 years) age groups, there was a strong preference for strategies such as providing relevant exercise equipment (E3), large areas of flat paving (E5) for safety and accessibility, and incorporating beautiful greenery (E10) to enhance the visual appeal of the environment. These strategies reflect a focus on promoting physical activity, ensuring ease of movement, and creating aesthetically pleasing spaces. Among the oldest age group (75 years and above), the preferences emphasized E2 (providing seating) alongside E3 and E10, indicating the continued importance of comfort and visual appeal for maintaining an enjoyable exercise environment.

Scheme 7 was the second most favored design scheme. This scheme was particularly popular for its strategies that emphasize comfort and social interaction. In the younger age group, strategies such as integrating pergolas, pavilions, and gazebos (W7), providing benches along walkways (W6), and ensuring visibility by avoiding overly dense vegetation (W2) were highly favored. These strategies create spaces that are conducive to relaxation and socializing, which are important aspects of community life. For the middle range group, there was a similar preference for W6 and W7, as well as a significant interest in maintaining diverse and interesting vegetation along walking paths (W13). This interest indicates a desire for engaging and aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance the walking experience. In the oldest age group, strategies under Scheme 7 continued to highlight the importance of benches (W6) and pergolas (W7), with additional interest in water features (W12), providing both comfort and sensory enjoyment.

Scheme 8 followed as the third preferred design scheme. For the younger age group, strategies such as attracting wildlife (W14) and using diverse vegetation (W13) were highly favored, reflecting a strong interest in biodiversity and natural elements. The middle range group also favored these strategies, along with different types of walking routes (W16), which provide variety and interest in daily routines. For the oldest age group, the emphasis was on strategies that avoid long, straight paths (W17) and maintain diverse vegetation (W13), highlighting the need for environments that are engaging and easy to navigate.

Scheme 3, Scheme 4, and Scheme 5 all received notable attention, focusing on integrating social and cultural elements into outdoor spaces. Scheme 3 emphasized agriculture planting, with the younger age groups favoring larger, more visible plants (P7) and vibrant, colorful forms (P8), while the older groups valued seasonal variation (P11) and educational elements like name tags (P6). Scheme 4 centered on spaces for board games and casual interactions, with preferences across the age groups for strategies that included creating unobstructed sightlines (B5), using pergolas and gazebos to attract social gatherings (B4), and ensuring clean, accessible spaces (B3). Scheme 5 highlighted the importance of cultural and social engagement, with a focus on flat paving (C3) for accessibility, the use of pavilions and pergolas (C4) for structured social interaction, and enhancing visibility (C7) to facilitate both social and cultural connections. These schemes collectively reflect the communities’ desires for inclusive, engaging spaces supporting social interaction and cultural enrichment. Additionally, the elders in the younger age group specified that they preferred to have warm-colored plants in the design, which has not been mentioned in the hypothesized design schemes.

Both the MS and TH communities exhibited a consistent preference for Scheme 2, underscoring the importance of comfort, accessibility, and physical activity in landscape design. Scheme 7 was also popular, indicating a shared value for social interaction and comfort. However, the TH residents, particularly those in the older age groups, showed a stronger inclination towards strategies emphasizing biodiversity and naturalistic elements, as seen in Scheme 8. This suggests that the TH residents may prioritize immersive natural experiences more than their MS counterparts, who showed a slightly higher preference for practical amenities like seating and exercise equipment. In conclusion, the preferences highlighted in these design schemes and strategies reflect a nuanced understanding of the needs and desires of the different age groups within the communities.

3.3. The Difference Between the Claimed and Actual Preference for Design Strategies Towards the Community’s Green Space

Tables S5 and S6, as shown in the Supplemental Information, analyze the differences between the claimed and actual preferences for the design strategies in the MS and TH communities, respectively. The detailed information and location of nodes for each community are illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3. The comparison highlights discrepancies between what the residents stated as their preferences for green space design strategies and how these spaces are actually used. While the green spaces in the TH community seem to better meet some of the needs of the elderly, more people use the green spaces in the MS community. The elderly residents claimed to favor designs incorporating Schemes 2, 7, and 8; however, the actual usage patterns showed a preference for the strategies that make up Schemes 1, 3, and 7. This misalignment suggests that the existing green spaces may lack the specific design elements preferred by the elderly, such as shaded seating areas, safe and flat walking paths, accessible exercise equipment, and sensory-rich features like diverse plants or water elements, contributing to comfort, safety, and visual appeal.

In the MS community, the observed differences between the claimed preferences and the actual usage highlight significant gaps in the current green space design. Scheme 2, which was highly favored by the residents for its strategies involving exercise equipment (E3), proximity to water features (E9), and beautiful greenery (E10), did not see the expected level of usage. This suggests that, while the residents prefer water features in their green spaces, the existing community green spaces may lack these elements or may not effectively integrate them in appealing ways. The absence of these water features or their inadequate implementation could be a significant factor in why these spaces do not see the expected usage patterns, indicating a critical gap in design that fails to meet the residents’ needs. Similarly, Scheme 7, which included strategies like providing benches (W6) and shaded areas with pergolas (W7), was popular in the claimed preferences but saw less actual use. This discrepancy indicates that the lack of appropriately placed or designed shaded areas and benches could discourage their use, even if the residents prefer them. This points to a need for better design integration, ensuring that these elements are not only present, but also positioned and accessible to meet the needs of elderly users.

In the TH community, there was a closer alignment between the claimed and actual preferences compared to that of MS, but differences still highlight areas for improvement. The residents preferred Scheme 2, with strategies focusing on exercise and comfort (E3, E5), yet the actual usage did not match these claims. Again, the presence or design of water features (E9) emerged as a critical point of difference. If these elements are absent or not effectively integrated, they could contribute to the discrepancies observed. Additionally, the preference for Scheme 8’s strategies involving diverse vegetation (W13) and wildlife attraction (W14) was not fully reflected in the actual usage, suggesting that these elements may not be present or well-developed in the community green spaces. The reliance on more traditional design elements from Scheme 1 and Scheme 3, such as structured planting and straightforward paths, indicates that, while innovative and nature-rich strategies are appealing to residents in theory, their absence in the actual environment limits their practical engagement. This reliance suggests that the green spaces do not currently offer the diversity and sensory experiences that residents claim to value, underscoring a gap between design intent and implementation.

In conclusion, the discrepancies between the claimed and actual preferences in both the MS and TH communities suggest that the current green spaces may not include the necessary design features to meet the stated needs of elderly residents. The absence or inadequate representation of strategies such as seating, exercise facilities, shaded areas, diverse vegetation, and water features highlights a need for more thoughtful and inclusive design approaches. Addressing these gaps can ensure that green spaces not only look appealing on paper, but also function effectively in real-world settings, providing environments that are supportive, engaging, and meet the daily needs of elderly residents.

3.4. The Indispensable Design Strategies in Each Scheme for Two Selected Communities

From the above analysis, we can clearly see some commonly welcomed design strategies among the participants, which can be useful for regeneration and future design. In Scheme 1, the residents highlighted the importance of social interaction with strategies like providing seating (S8) and social spaces (S10), while strategies such as maintaining comfortable microclimates (S1) and promoting diverse plant species for sensory engagement (S11) were added to enhance overall environmental comfort [57,58]. For Scheme 2, the essential strategies include incorporating exercise equipment (E3), proximity to water features (E9), and aesthetically pleasing greenery (E10). Strategies like temperature control (E1) and using mosquito-repelling plants (E4) are also required, based on the on-site observation, aiming to create a safe and comfortable environment for physical activity [59,60]. In Scheme 3, although the claimed preference strategies are not consistent in the selected communities, the strategy of choosing non-toxic and non-allergenic plants (P1) was deemed necessary for both communities to ensure elderly safety [60]. Scheme 4 emphasized spaces for casual interactions, with claimed strategies including shaded seating areas (B3, B4, and B5), while additional strategies to enhance ventilation (B1) and mosquito control (B2) were also considered, as the basic needs of the elderly should be addressed [57,61].

As illustrated in

Table 5. The indispensable design strategies in each scheme for the selected communities.

Scheme	Community	Claimed Preference	Proactive Implementation Preference
1	MS and TH	S8, S10, S11, S12	S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S11
2	MS and TH	E2, E3, E5, E8, E9, E10	E1, E4
3	MS	P3, P6, P7, P8, P10, P11, P12, P13	P1
	TH	P8, P10, P11, P12, P13
4	MS and TH	B3, B4, B5	B1, B2
5	MS and TH	C3, C4, C7, C8	None
6	MS	I6, I9, I11	I1, I2, I10
	TH	I6, I9
7	MS and TH	W2, W6, W7, W12, W13	W1, W4, W9
8	MS and TH	W13, W14, W16, W17	W1, W4, W8, W9

, Scheme 5, which aimed at cultural and social engagement, did not have additional proactive strategies, since cultural activities do not often occur in community green spaces. In Scheme 6, additional strategies, including I1, I2, and I10, were selected to ensure the safety and accessibility of green spaces, enhancing visibility and navigation for elderly residents while providing engaging, sensory-rich environments that support ecological diversity [62]. These features create a welcoming and secure space, encouraging regular use and interaction with nature. Scheme 7 was favored for its integration of comfortable resting areas (W6, W7) and diverse vegetation (W13), with proactive strategies like ensuring safe walking paths (W1) and using distinct plant species to enhance visual interest (W9) [59,63,64,65]. Moreover, in Scheme 8, which focuses on engaging with nature, strategies like diverse vegetation (W13) and wildlife attraction (W14) were essential, with additional proactive measures such as providing windbreaks (W8) and ensuring visual access to nature (W9) to foster a deeper connection with the environment [51,66,67,68]. These combined strategies are designed to meet the comprehensive needs of elderly residents, promoting both their physical and psychological well-being through thoughtfully designed green spaces.

4. Discussion and Conclusions

This study illustrates that the needs of elderly residents for community green spaces are diverse and dynamic, reflecting the complexity of their needs. Based on the data, it was found that elderly residents often simultaneously seek safety, comfort, health, social interaction, and spiritual richness, reflecting the influence of Chinese cultural values that emphasize collective living. For instance, the elderly residents preferred gathering near a trash station, where other residents visit on a daily basis due to their social needs, despite the area being uncomfortable or even unhygienic. Particularly in the MS community, the presence of elderly individuals gathering near trash stations is constantly observed. The trash stations were appreciated for their functionality, convenient location, and traffic flow, which are ideal for social interaction. Several selected nodes (e.g., A, D, and F) were found to have trash stations nearby. This behavior highlights how cultural tradition impact needs and preferences [69,70,71]. Therefore, community green space design should consider the cultural context, providing more areas that encourage social interaction while ensuring safety and comfort.

The differences in needs between younger and older elderly residents should be given special attention. Younger elderly individuals tend to favor more active recreational activities, while older elderly residents focus more on rest and safety. Designers should offer multi-layered design solutions to cater to the varying needs of different age groups. Plant selection also plays a crucial role in meeting the health needs of elderly residents [8]. The elderly’s pursuit of aesthetic appeal is evident in their preference for colorful, positively symbolic plants, yet their awareness of the health benefits of plants remains limited [72]. Thus, community green spaces should incorporate plants that contribute to air purification and psychological well-being, while such information needs to be disseminated among the elderly residents through tags or information boards.

The findings of this study have important implications for developing community green space standards and policies, particularly for aging urban populations. The identified discrepancies between the stated preferences and the actual behaviors highlight the need for evidence-based design strategies for the landscape design of communities. Specific design features like seating, shade, and microclimate control are essential to creating inclusive environments that support the physical, social, and psychological needs of elderly residents. In addition, this research provides specific recommendations for urban planners and policymakers, such as the commonly praised design features mentioned in Section 3.4. These recommendations align with broader initiatives like the “Healthy China 2030” strategy, aiming to improve the quality of life for the aging population.

However, this study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, focusing on only two communities, with data collection during one season, which may not fully represent elderly preferences year-round. The elderly residents mentioned engaging in outdoor activities throughout all four seasons, suggesting that focusing on a single, seasonally favorable period does not provide complete representation [73]. Moreover, relying on observational data and interviews may introduce biases, as residents might not always accurately report their preferences or behaviors [74]. Future research should include a more diverse set of communities and conduct observations across different seasons to capture a fuller range of elderly interactions with green spaces [75]. Despite these limitations, this study offers valuable insights into designing and implementing community green spaces that meet the specific needs of elderly residents, ultimately supporting their health and well-being as they age in place.