The Supportive Function of Green Spaces in Mahmoodiyeh: Safety, Maintenance, and Elderly Psychological Well-being

This study examines the restorative quality, safety conditions, and age-friendliness of neighborhood green spaces in Mahmoodiyeh, Tehran, through a mixed-methods approach combining user surveys, field observations, and photographic documentation. Findings reveal that although vegetation and visual greenery offer moderate psychological benefits-particularly in terms of absorption-these spaces fall short of providing consistent restorative experiences for older adults. Major limiting factors include insufficient seating quality and distribution, poor lighting continuity, inadequate accessibility for slow walkers, weak passive surveillance, and persistent traffic noise. Field evidence confirms that spatial constraints and maintenance gaps further reduce comfort and perceived safety. The study recommends targeted, small-scale design and management interventions to enhance usability, tranquillity, and security, thereby improving the well-being of elderly residents in dense urban settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

urban green space ، elderly users ، restorative environment ، safety perception ، accessibility ، Tehran