Impact of a low-cost urban green space intervention on wellbeing behaviours in older adults: A natural experimental study

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of low-cost physical changes to four urban amenity green spaces on older adults’ wellbeing behaviours (people taking notice of the environment, physical activity levels, social interactions), relative to eight matched comparison sites in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. Systematic observations were conducted at baseline, six- and twelve months, with a nested qualitative study. There was no evidence that the intervention increased observable wellbeing behaviours or use of these spaces. This study demonstrates the feasibility of robust natural experimental methods and highlights the need for more nuanced policy and practice recommendations for improving urban green spaces.

Keywords

• Wellbeing
• Older adults
• Urban green space intervention
• Natural experiment
• Systematic observation