Green Space Exposure and Human Health: Gender-Specific Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Elderly Residents in Cold-Climate Cities

Tianheng Zhang (), Yao Fu (), Zitong Wang, Jian Gao, Tinghui Yang and Siyang Wang
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Tianheng Zhang: School of Architecture and Urbanplanning, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110069, China
Yao Fu: School of Architecture and Urbanplanning, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110069, China
Zitong Wang: School of Architecture and Urbanplanning, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110069, China
Jian Gao: School of Architecture and Urbanplanning, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110069, China
Tinghui Yang: School of Architecture and Urbanplanning, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110069, China
Siyang Wang: School of Architecture and Urbanplanning, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110069, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-25

Abstract: Urban green infrastructure’s health impacts on aging populations remain understudied, particularly regarding gender-specific responses in cold-climate cities facing sustainability challenges. This study investigated how sustainable urban design supports healthy aging through a novel “static–dynamic” dual-temporal analysis framework. Through controlled field experiments with 345 elderly participants across three urban space types in Shenyang, China, we examined physiological indicators and psychological responses under winter conditions (4–8 °C), employing comprehensive environmental monitoring and health assessment protocols. Path analysis revealed that sustainable urban design influences health outcomes through both direct physiological pathways and indirect psychological mediation, with psychological states accounting for 56.3% of the total effect. Gender-specific analysis demonstrated that females exhibit higher environmental sensitivity (blood pressure variation coefficient: 0.171 vs. 0.079 for males) and stronger psychological mediation effects (β = −0.302 vs. β = −0.185 for males). The findings establish a theoretical foundation for implementing gender-responsive sustainable urban design strategies in cold-climate communities, demonstrating how green infrastructure can simultaneously address environmental sustainability and social equity goals while promoting healthy aging outcomes.

Keywords: sustainable urban design; green infrastructure; healthy aging; gender equity; climate resilience; environmental psychology; social sustainability; urban wellbeing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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