Abstract Background To address the mismatch between the built environment of old urban districts and the escalating demands for cardiovascular health and psychosomatic rehabilitation among elderly residents, this study aims to quantitatively analyze the correlation between physical elements of micro-spaces and key elderly behaviors that exert protective effects on cardiac health. Purpose The study seeks to identify core behaviors—and their critical spatial drivers—capable of modulating psychological stress and promoting cardiovascular homeostasis. The objective is to translate "healthy aging" into measurable, actionable design guidelines, providing a scientific basis for utilizing urban micro-renewal as an adjunctive measure in the prevention of chronic cardiovascular diseases. Objects and Methods Fifteen micro-spaces across three old urban districts in Tianjin were selected as study samples. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, the study first utilized behavioral mapping over a one-year observation period to identify "Resting and Conversation" as the dependent variable. This behavior is deemed critical for alleviating social isolation and maintaining cardiovascular autonomic function through psychological relaxation. Subsequently, the Fuzzy Kano model was applied to screen 12 key spatial elements as independent variables. Finally, a multiple linear regression model was constructed to verify the specific influence pathways of the built environment on the "psychosocial-cardiovascular health axis" of the elderly. Results Results indicate that "Resting and Conversation" was the most frequent core health behavior (77%). Its frequency is directly correlated with social support acquisition and stress release, serving as a vital behavioral mediator for maintaining blood pressure and heart rate stability. The regression model (p0.01) confirmed that elements such as "Seating Facilities" (B=0.350) and "Cultural Atmosphere" (B=0.300) exhibit significant positive promoting effects. This suggests that adequate seating can effectively reduce the cardiac load of physical activity, while a positive cultural atmosphere contributes to cardiovascular health through emotional regulation. Conversely, the model revealed non-linear effects for elements like "Spatial Openness" (B=-0.200) and "Greenery Rate" (B=-0.150). For instance, a greenery rate within the 30%-50% range yields optimal visual healing effects, whereas rates that are too high or low are detrimental to creating a relaxed environment conducive to cardiac rehabilitation. Conclusion This study establishes a quantitative relationship between micro-space elements in old urban districts, core health behaviors, and cardiovascular benefits. It confirms that positive social behaviors, triggered by optimized spatial parameters, can effectively modulate psychological stress levels, promoting homeostasis in the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system. By translating the "age-friendly" concept into evidence-based design guidelines, this study validates precise built environment interventions as an effective non-pharmacological approach for preventing chronic cardiovascular diseases, providing a scientific basis for urban renewal decision-making rooted in the "Space-Heart" health correlation.
Pang et al. (Thu,) studied this question.