Psychological and thermal responses to urban green space exposure among elderly: a comparative study of chronic and non-chronic disease populations.

With the intensifying processes of climate change and population aging, elderly populations are increasingly exposed to significant climate-related health risks. Urban green spaces serve as crucial venues for physical activity, social interaction, and mental restoration among the elderly, providing numerous health benefits. This study employed meteorological measurements and questionnaire surveys to investigate older adults' thermal perceptions and psychological responses to winter exposure in green spaces, comparing differences between two groups: those with chronic diseases and those without. The research specifically analyzed changes in thermal and psychological responses as participants transitioned from urban built environments to neighborhood green spaces and then returned to urban built environments. Such alternating experiences of diverse urban environments reflect the authentic Living conditions of urban residents. Findings are as follows: 1) Exposure to green spaces improved the psychological Health of older adults, with more significant and sustained improvements in emotional well-being for the chronic disease group. 2) The cold tolerance of the chronic disease group was inferior to that of the non-chronic disease group. Exposure to green spaces enhanced older adults' thermal comfort, increasing their tolerance to low temperatures, with more pronounced and sustained effects observed in the chronic disease group. 3) Psychological factors influenced older adults' thermal perceptions, with positive emotions serving as the key moderating variable. Urban green spaces could effectively enhance thermal comfort by mediating improvements in positive emotions, a benefit that is especially pronounced among older adults with chronic diseases. HIGHLIGHTS: Elderly showed better cold tolerance and mental health in green spaces vs. urban areas. Benefits of green space exposure on thermal and psychological health may be sustained. PA exerted the most significant influence on the elderly's TSV. Elderly with chronic diseases gained more health benefits from green spaces. Proposed applications and suggestions for sustainable planning and design.