Important Park Characteristics That Promote Social Interactions of Older Adults in Anyang City, Hainan Province, China

Urban parks play a crucial role in promoting social interactions among older adults, thereby supporting active, healthy aging. Although the benefits of urban parks are well acknowledged, studies on their efficacy in this regard are limited, particularly in Asia. The question of what role park characteristics play in encouraging social interactions of older adults has remained largely unexplored. This study investigates the influence of perceived park characteristics on the social interactions of older adults in two urban parks in Anyang City, China. Data from 589 participants aged 50 and above were collected through on-site and online distribution methods and analyzed using linear regression models. The findings revealed that park features, conditions, and accessibility significantly affect older adults’ social interactions. This evidence lays a scientific groundwork for improving these interactions in urban parks, emphasizing the aspects that should be prioritized in park planning and design to better fulfill their social needs.