Age-friendly planning of urban green spaces : A case study regarding older adults and park design in Östersund, Sweden

Abstract: Age-friendly parks support older adults' health as places for urban outdoor recreation when more remote nature becomes inaccessible. I analyzed data from a previous survey (n = 266) to explore factors important for older adults' nature experience knowledge to find essential features of age-friendly park design. The data from the survey showed that many older adults had a functional impairment. Still, they used nature areas within walking distance for peace and tranquility and valued age-friendly design features. I also performed semi-structured interviews with planners (n = 6) at Östersund Municipality, Sweden, to understand how their work was affected as the proportion of older adults increased. The planners emphasized supporting older adults' independence through cross sectoral projects and more collaboration between public, private, and non-profit actors. Findings were discussed and implemented into Badhusparken and Surfbukten, urban green spaces in Östersund, to understand planning in practice and park features needed to support age-friendly outdoor recreation. My conclusion was that features regarding age-friendly parks are complex and equal participation is an issue that requires more interdisciplinary research, especially regarding possibilities with age-friendly projects and networks as ways to overcome challenges with an aging population.