The relationship between urban green space and social interaction of the elderly: A systematic review

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) are vital for promoting public health and social well-being, yet research on their specific impact on social interaction of the elderly (SIE) remains inadequate, particularly concerning underlying mechanisms and moderating factors. This study systematically reviews the mechanisms by which the characteristics of urban green spaces influence social interactions among the elderly and to identify the moderating factors, thereby providing a scientific basis for the planning and design of urban green spaces. Following PRISMA guidelines, 78 articles from the Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2015–2025) were included. The results indicate the relationship between UGS and SIE. The study identifies six key characteristics of UGS—Nature and Environment, Accessibility and Physical Layout, Facilities and Functions, Safety and Maintenance, Society and Culture, and Perception and Aesthetics—that significantly influence SIE. These characteristics facilitate social interaction through four main pathways: providing platforms for social engagement, optimizing spatial layouts, provide psychological benefits and enhancing life satisfaction, and ensuring equitable access. Furthermore, sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, health status, and living environment moderate this relationship. We proposes a cyclical "UGS–SIE" model, illustrating the dynamic process from motivation and attendance to interaction and feedback. As the first systematic review on this topic, our findings highlight the critical role of UGS in fostering elderly social health and offer a theoretical foundation for future research and age-friendly urban planning.