Unraveling the heterogeneity of pathways linking residential green space quantity and quality to the well-being of older adults in different housing price communities

Preliminary evidence suggests that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups may derive greater health benefits from residential green space (RGS); however, the heterogeneity of the mechanisms underlying the health effects of RGS across socioeconomic status strata remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between RGS quantity and quality and subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults, and to unravel the variation in this association and its mechanisms based on housing price levels (as an SES proxy), using a sample of 439 older adults in Nanjing, China. Multivariate linear models and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to evaluate the association between RGS and SWB and to examine their underlying pathways. Multi-group SEM analysis was employed to investigate the effect modification of SES on these pathways. We found that RGS was positively associated with SWB by promoting physical activity and social cohesion, and by reducing perceived air pollution and noise. Older adults in low-SES communities were more likely to benefit from RGS exposure. These variations could be partially explained by differences in physical activity and social cohesion, which were more pertinent for older adults in low-SES communities. Our findings have implications for green interventions aimed at achieving health equity in underdeveloped urban environments.