Abstract The proportion of older adults in the population is increasing and ageing is associated with poorer physical, mental and social health. Hence, there is increasing need for community facilities that are appealing and suitable to older adults and promote good health and well-being. Visiting parks has been shown to facilitate a multitude of physical, psychological, and social health benefits; however, the frequency of park visitation by older adults is low. A better understanding of the needs and preferences of park features among older adults will help park designers to create parks that encourage their visitation. The aim of this qualitative walk-along study was to explore park features that influence park visitation, park-based physical activity and social interaction among older adults (65+ years). Participants (n = 30, mean age = 74.9 years [sd 5.4)], 50 % female) were interviewed by a researcher while walking in one of eight diverse parks located in varying socio-economic status areas of metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVivo 12 software. Participants primarily reported using parks for walking, sitting/relaxing, enjoying nature and socialising with others and walking was the preferred park-based activity. Park features highly valued for visitation included: a well-maintained, peaceful and attractive environment with established trees, gardens and birdlife; seating; pleasant paths; toilets; cafes; water features; shade/shelter; facilities for grandchildren; and the presence of other people. Features most valued for physical activity included walking paths, organised activities, and fitness equipment. Features most valued for social interaction included picnic/barbecue facilities, organised events, a cafe and aesthetics. This evidence is important for policy and decision makers, urban planning, landscape architects, and local, state and national government organisations to ensure our parks are designed to support older adults to lead healthy and active lives.

中文翻译：

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为老年人设计公园：使用步行访谈的定性研究

摘要 老年人在人口中的比例不断增加，老龄化与较差的身体、心理和社会健康有关。因此，对吸引和适合老年人并促进身体健康和福祉的社区设施的需求日益增加。参观公园已被证明可以促进多种身体、心理和社会健康益处；然而，老年人到公园的频率很低。更好地了解老年人对公园特色的需求和偏好将有助于公园设计师创建鼓励他们参观的公园。这项定性步行研究的目的是探索影响公园参观、公园体育活动和老年人（65 岁以上）社交互动的公园特征。参与者（n = 30，平均年龄 = 74。9 年 [sd 5.4)]，50 % 女性）在澳大利亚墨尔本大都市不同社会经济地位区域的八个不同公园之一中行走时接受了研究人员的采访。所有访谈均逐字转录并使用 NVivo 12 软件进行分析。参与者主要报告说使用公园散步、坐下/放松、享受大自然和与他人交往，而步行是首选的公园活动。公园内备受游客青睐的特色包括：维护良好、宁静且有吸引力的环境，拥有成熟的树木、花园和鸟类；座位；宜人的道路；洗手间; 咖啡馆；水景；遮荫/庇护所；孙辈设施；以及其他人的存在。对体育活动最有价值的功能包括步行道、有组织的活动和健身器材。社交互动最重要的功能包括野餐/烧烤设施、有组织的活动、咖啡馆和美学。这一证据对于政策和决策者、城市规划、景观设计师以及地方、州和国家政府组织非常重要，以确保我们的公园旨在支持老年人过上健康和积极的生活。