From Evidence to Action: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Urban Green Spaces and Healthy Aging (2002-2024)

AI Summary

Increasing interdisciplinary research shows urban green spaces support physical, psychological and social wellbeing in older people, shifting focus to multidimensional outcomes.
China and the United States lead publication volume and international collaboration, highlighting geographic concentration and growing global research networks.
Policy recommendations emphasise equitable access, age sensitive design and community engagement to integrate green infrastructure into ageing policies, especially in low and middle income countries.

J Aging Soc Policy. 2026 May 25:1-28. doi: 10.1080/08959420.2026.2673824. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As global populations age, urban green spaces are emerging as critical yet underutilized assets for promoting healthy aging. This study aims to examine how global scholarship has evolved in linking green space exposure to physical, psychological, and social well-being among older adults. Using bibliometric analysis of 364 peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2024, we employed VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and SCImago Graphica to identify key trends, co-authorship patterns, and thematic clusters. The results highlight a growing interdisciplinary focus on mental health, social cohesion, and accessibility, with China and the United States leading in publication volume and international collaboration. Five thematic clusters were identified, reflecting a shift from physical health toward multidimensional concerns. This study offers policy-relevant insights by proposing strategies such as equitable access, age-sensitive design, and community engagement to enhance the role of green infrastructure in aging policy frameworks – particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

PMID:42183841 | DOI:10.1080/08959420.2026.2673824

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