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Green and Blue Space Availability and Self-Rated Health among Seniors in China: Evidence from a National Survey

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  • Chensong Lin

    (School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Longfeng Wu

    (Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA)

Abstract

Many empirical studies have shown evidence of multiple health benefits provided by green and blue spaces. Despite the importance of these spaces, investigations are scarce in details for blue spaces rather than green. Moreover, most research has focused on developed regions. A limited number of studies on blue spaces can be found in China with a focus on the city level. Outcomes have been mixed due to varying research scales, methodologies, and definitions. This study relies on a national-level social survey to explore how the self-rated health (SRH) of senior individuals is associated with local green and blue space availability in urban and rural areas. Results indicate that the coverage ratio of overall green spaces and waterbodies around a resident’s home have marginal effects on SRH status in both urban and rural areas. In urban areas, living close to a park can is marginally beneficial for older people’s health. Regarding different types of blue spaces, the presence of a major river (within 0.3–0.5 km) or coastline (within 1 km and 1–5 km) in the vicinity of home negatively affects SRH among the elderly in urban areas. Close proximity to lakes and other types of waterbodies with a water surface larger than 6.25 ha did not significantly influence SRH. These findings not only evaluate general health impacts of green/blue space development on senior populations across the county but inform decision makers concerning the health-promoting qualities and features of different green/blue spaces to better accommodate an aging population in the era of urbanization.

Suggested Citation

  • Chensong Lin & Longfeng Wu, 2021. "Green and Blue Space Availability and Self-Rated Health among Seniors in China: Evidence from a National Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:545-:d:478415
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Dempsey, Seraphim & Devine, Mel T. & Gillespie, Tom & Lyons, Seán & Nolan, Anne, 2018. "Coastal blue space and depression in older adults," Papers RB201826, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
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    2. Xinrui Wang & Jian Lin & Xuemeng Sun & Yutong Zhang & Hiutung Wong & Libin Ouyang & Lin Liu & Longfeng Wu, 2023. "Disparities in the Health Benefits of Urban Green/Blue Space: A Case Study from Shandong Province, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Juntti, Meri & Ozsezer-Kurnuc, Sevda, 2023. "Factors influencing the realisation of the social impact of urban nature in inner-city environments: A systematic review of complex evidence," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 211(C).

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