To better understand the health impacts of greenspaces, we engaged older adults in Taipei, Taiwan to understand their use of those spaces.
Through interviews and observations, we found that Taipei greenspaces offered a variety of activities that encouraged physical activity and socialization.
What did we learn about supporting age-friendly activity in greenspaces?
- They must be accessible to older adults
- Plan for morning activities that appeal to older adults
- Provide age-appropriate equipment to promote activity
- Share the health benefits of greenspaces with older adults
Findings such as these can help community planners and decision-makers (re)design greenspaces around the world.
Check out the following video for a little background information on the project and further details about the greenspaces in Taipei.
- Dr. Donald Schopflocher, School of Public Health, University of Alberta (Principal Investigator)
- Dr. Candace Nykiforuk, School of Public Health, University of Alberta (Co-Principal Investigator)
- Dr. Karen Lee, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta (Co-Investigator)
- Pleson, E., Nieuwendyk, L.M., Lee, K., Chaddah, A., Nykiforuk, C.I.J., & Schopflocher, D. (2014). Understanding older adults’ usage of community green spaces in Taipei, Taiwan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(2):1444-1464. DOI:10.3390/ijerph110201444. PMID: 24473116; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3945547.
- PLACE Research Lab (2012). Video Documentary: Understanding Older Adults Use of Greenspaces in Taipei, Taiwan. Available at: http://placeresearchlab.com/?p=1797
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