As cities grapple with the escalating challenges of urban heat and its impacts on vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, green spaces are increasingly promoted as effective urban cooling solutions. However, despite the extensive literature on people’s access to and preferences for urban green spaces, little is known about the perception and use of these spaces as nature-based climate shelters on hot days, especially by older adults. This study focuses on Barcelona, a Mediterranean city facing rising temperatures, to explore older adults' patterns of use and preferences for urban green spaces on hot days. The research aims to: 1) analyze heat coping behaviors, emphasizing visits to urban green spaces; 2) identify crucial characteristics of green spaces for older adults; and 3) assess variations in behaviors and preferences based on socio-demographic factors. The study leverages survey data from 291 older adult residents, combining face-to-face and online formats. Results indicate that 54 % of older adults use urban green spaces for cooling on hot days, with preferences for morning or evening visits. Factors influencing non-visitation include perceived lack of thermal comfort, noisiness or crowdedness, and proximity issues. Alternative heat coping strategies include staying at home, traveling to cooler areas outside the city, visiting blue spaces, or air-conditioned indoor facilities. Preferred green space characteristics include abundant shade, leafy vegetation, accessibility factors (e.g., walkability), urban furniture (e.g., benches), and water features. Socio-demographic differences reveal higher green space use among younger age groups and residents in certain districts. Mobility limitations and lower education levels influence preferences, with mobility-challenged individuals prioritizing accessibility aspects. Lower-educated respondents are more likely to report barriers to accessing green spaces. These findings highlight the need for tailored urban planning strategies, considering sociodemographic variations, to mitigate heat-related health risks for older adults. By prioritizing green space accessibility, enhancing its quality, promoting its cooling benefits, addressing cooling inequalities and integrating climate considerations in urban green planning, cities facing increasingly pressing heat challenges can create climate-resilient and inclusive green environments that prioritize the well-being of their aging populations.

中文翻译：

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基于自然的气候庇护所？探索城市绿色空间作为变暖城市中老年人的降温解决方案


随着城市应对城市炎热不断升级的挑战及其对弱势群体（尤其是老年人）的影响，绿色空间越来越多地被推广为有效的城市降温解决方案。然而，尽管有大量关于人们进入和偏好城市绿色空间的文献，但人们对这些空间作为炎热天气中基于自然的气候避难所的看法和使用却知之甚少，尤其是老年人。本研究重点关注面临气温上升的地中海城市巴塞罗那，探讨老年人在炎热天气下对城市绿地的使用模式和偏好。该研究旨在：1）分析炎热应对行为，重点关注城市绿地的参观； 2) 确定老年人绿色空间的关键特征； 3) 根据社会人口因素评估行为和偏好的变化。该研究利用了 291 名老年居民的调查数据，结合了面对面和在线形式。结果表明，54% 的老年人在炎热的天气里使用城市绿地来降温，并且更喜欢早上或晚上去。影响不来访的因素包括感觉缺乏热舒适性、噪音或拥挤以及邻近问题。其他应对高温的策略包括呆在家里、前往城外较凉爽的地区、参观蓝色空间或配备空调的室内设施。首选的绿色空间特征包括丰富的树荫、绿叶植被、可达性因素（例如步行性）、城市家具（例如长凳）和水景。社会人口差异表明，某些地区的年轻群体和居民对绿色空间的使用率更高。 行动不便的限制和较低的教育水平会影响偏好，行动不便的人会优先考虑无障碍方面。受教育程度较低的受访者更有可能报告进入绿色空间的障碍。这些发现强调需要考虑社会人口变化，制定量身定制的城市规划策略，以减轻老年人与高温相关的健康风险。通过优先考虑绿色空间的可达性、提高其质量、提升其冷却效益、解决冷却不平等问题以及将气候因素纳入城市绿色规划，面临日益紧迫的炎热挑战的城市可以创造具有气候适应能力和包容性的绿色环境，优先考虑其福祉人口老龄化。