Understanding the Well-Being of Older Chinese Immigrants in Relation to Green Spaces: A Gold Coast Study (Australia)

Abstract

In recognition of the aging population and the importance of health-supporting urban environments, including urban green spaces, to maintain well-being, scholars and policymakers have increasingly investigated the associations between urban green spaces and the well-being of older people. However, few studies specifically investigate minority older groups such as those with diverse cultural backgrounds, and many studies often ignore the design attributes of green spaces which may contribute to the well-being of those in such groups. In order to address these gaps, this paper explores how green spaces influence the well-being of older Chinese immigrants. This case study analyzes how older Chinese immigrants interact with green spaces on the Gold Coast, Australia, and adopts the value of place as a conceptual framework to understand the relationship. Two qualitative methods, namely, in-depth interviews and travel diaries, were used to collect data. The results show that parks, as a place, play a crucial role in older Chinese immigrants' ability to undertake outdoor activities. The relationship between green spaces and well-being can be classified into two themes. The first theme is concerned with how older Chinese immigrants perceive and experience green spaces. This finding indicates that green spaces can fulfill their values of keeping healthy, maintaining active lifestyles, and being social, all of which benefit well-being. The second theme relates to daily activities undertaken within green spaces. Issues of accessibility and personal preferences regarding activities complicate the relationship between green spaces and well-being. Good accessibility to green spaces is congruent with older Chinese immigrants' values of being physically active, while difficulties in conducting preferred activities counteract these values which then generate negative perceptions of green spaces. Overall, there is great potential for understanding how personal values can inform the design of inclusive green spaces for minority or less mobile groups.

Keywords: accessibility; green space; older Chinese immigrants; values; well-being.

Figure 1

Aerial photo of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast facing west (photo by Siyao Gao).

Figure 2

Timing of visits to urban green spaces.

Figure 3

Individual activity patterns of participants (“v” indicates that the participants have the ability to drive or take public transport on the Gold Coast or live near the city park – these groups of people are regarded as having high mobility; participants without a “v” have limited mobility).

Figure 4

Box plot illustrating the frequency of visits to green spaces and the types of activities undertaken with reference to the participants mobility level. (A) Comparing frequency of visiting green spaces between high and low mobile groups. (B) Comparing the number of activities undertaken in public green spaces by high- and low-mobility groups.

Figure 5

The participants’ location and their travel maps to green spaces on the Gold Coast. (A-F) show detailed participants’ location and travel maps. (source: image produced by the author with spatial information obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Gold Coast City Council).