Exploring the Impact of Neighbourhood Nature Exposure on Older Adults’ Subjective Wellbeing, Nature Connectedness and Nature Contact: a Case Study in Guangzhou

Abstract

This study examines how neighbourhood built environments influence older adults’ nature connectedness and subjective wellbeing, with particular attention to green and blue spaces and their effects through greenspace visitation frequency and duration. Understanding these interrelations is essential for enhancing nature connections that support health and wellbeing across all ages. Using multilevel structural equation modelling and multilevel linear modelling, we analysed data from older adults in Guangzhou, China, examining both direct and indirect pathways linking built environment features to subjective wellbeing through nature connectedness and greenspace visitation patterns. Results showed that nature connectedness and greenspace visitation duration directly enhanced older adults’ subjective wellbeing, while greenspace visitation frequency influenced subjective wellbeing indirectly through strengthened nature connectedness. Regarding neighbourhood environment effects, population density and greenspace ratio were positively associated with subjective wellbeing, whereas building density, point-of-interest diversity, street greenery, and distance to water showed negative associations. Notably, distance to water was the only built environment attribute significantly affecting nature connectedness, with this relationship being substantially stronger among residents who had lived in Guangzhou for less than five years compared to long-term residents. This study reveals complex relationships between built environments, nature connectedness, and subjective wellbeing, highlighting the importance of both direct environmental effects and individual differences in sensitivity to environmental features. The research extends the existing nature connectedness-subjective wellbeing literature conceptually, and takes life course factors into the modelling process. These findings offer insights for urban planners to enhance nature connectedness and effectively improve older adults’ subjective wellbeing through targeted environmental interventions.