How properties of urban greenspaces shape well-being across age groups: A qualitative study
The prevalence of poor mental health among younger and older generations is rising. Urban greenspaces (UGS) can provide well-being benefits and are used by all ages, so it is important that these spaces provide benefits across the life course. So far, studies tend to focus on one age group and lack...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Wellbeing, Space and Society |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666558124000241 |
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| author | Rebecca Reece Lewis Elliott Isabelle Bray Anna Bornioli |
| author_facet | Rebecca Reece Lewis Elliott Isabelle Bray Anna Bornioli |
| author_sort | Rebecca Reece |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The prevalence of poor mental health among younger and older generations is rising. Urban greenspaces (UGS) can provide well-being benefits and are used by all ages, so it is important that these spaces provide benefits across the life course. So far, studies tend to focus on one age group and lack focus on properties of these spaces which shape well-being across generations. Our aim was to explore what properties of UGS can shape well-being across age groups and to what extent are UGS for social interactions across age groups. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted online with 20 participants in four age groups: adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. Interviewees were asked about visits to UGS, preferences for multi-sensory components, and how spaces shape their well-being. Using thematic analysis, four themes were identified which were common across all age groups: UGS can provide a sense of escape; there are practical needs surrounding access and contact with UGS; being a space to share with other users; and the importance of seasonal multi-sensory components. Whilst findings showed that there are properties of UGS which are valued across multiple ages, differences were also revealed regarding interactions across ages. By researching qualitatively across ages, the complex similarities and differences between ages can be understood. Future research should also explore interactions between age groups as well as the views of non-users of UGS and their reasons for not visiting UGS. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9e5ee2db8214426cad4cfa5b2c2002d3 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2666-5581 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Wellbeing, Space and Society |
| spelling | doaj-art-9e5ee2db8214426cad4cfa5b2c2002d32025-08-20T02:37:02ZengElsevierWellbeing, Space and Society2666-55812024-12-01710020610.1016/j.wss.2024.100206How properties of urban greenspaces shape well-being across age groups: A qualitative studyRebecca Reece0Lewis Elliott1Isabelle Bray2Anna Bornioli3Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK; Corresponding author at: University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Cornwall, UKCentre for Public Health and Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol, UKEnvironmental Psychology Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UKThe prevalence of poor mental health among younger and older generations is rising. Urban greenspaces (UGS) can provide well-being benefits and are used by all ages, so it is important that these spaces provide benefits across the life course. So far, studies tend to focus on one age group and lack focus on properties of these spaces which shape well-being across generations. Our aim was to explore what properties of UGS can shape well-being across age groups and to what extent are UGS for social interactions across age groups. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted online with 20 participants in four age groups: adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. Interviewees were asked about visits to UGS, preferences for multi-sensory components, and how spaces shape their well-being. Using thematic analysis, four themes were identified which were common across all age groups: UGS can provide a sense of escape; there are practical needs surrounding access and contact with UGS; being a space to share with other users; and the importance of seasonal multi-sensory components. Whilst findings showed that there are properties of UGS which are valued across multiple ages, differences were also revealed regarding interactions across ages. By researching qualitatively across ages, the complex similarities and differences between ages can be understood. Future research should also explore interactions between age groups as well as the views of non-users of UGS and their reasons for not visiting UGS.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666558124000241Urban greenspaceWell-beingInterviewsQualitative research |
| spellingShingle | Rebecca Reece Lewis Elliott Isabelle Bray Anna Bornioli How properties of urban greenspaces shape well-being across age groups: A qualitative study Wellbeing, Space and Society Urban greenspace Well-being Interviews Qualitative research |
| title | How properties of urban greenspaces shape well-being across age groups: A qualitative study |
| title_full | How properties of urban greenspaces shape well-being across age groups: A qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | How properties of urban greenspaces shape well-being across age groups: A qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | How properties of urban greenspaces shape well-being across age groups: A qualitative study |
| title_short | How properties of urban greenspaces shape well-being across age groups: A qualitative study |
| title_sort | how properties of urban greenspaces shape well being across age groups a qualitative study |
| topic | Urban greenspace Well-being Interviews Qualitative research |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666558124000241 |
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