E-poster presentation

4th World Conference on FORESTS AND PARKS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Luxembourg, 21-24 May 2025

Abstract for e-poster presentation

More about the study:

TITLE: A CITY IN BLOOM, BUT FOR WHOM? OLDER ADULTS AND ACCESS TO PRAGUE'S NATURE

Blanka Novotná1, Petra Valeš Jelínková1, Alžběta Bártová1,2, Iva Holmerová1, Jill Litt3

1Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-term Care (Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic)

2Department of Psychosocial Sciences and Ethics (Hussite Theological Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic)

3ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain

Submission topic: Urban forestry and green spaces planning and design for Human Health activities, availability, and accessibility.

Introduction:

This study is part of the European Horizon 2020 project RECETAS (grant agreement No945095), which explores how nature-based social prescribing (NBSP) can reduce loneliness and promote mental well-being, especially among older adults living in urban environments. The broader RECETAS research investigates how community-based interventions in green and blue spaces can serve as non-clinical tools to strengthen social connections and improve quality of life. In Prague, one part of the project also focuses on understanding barriers to urban nature access for older adults.

While nature-based interventions can promote well-being and social engagement in older adults, various barriers may limit their use. This study examines such obstacles older adults face when accessing Prague's urban green spaces and evaluates whether NBSP can enhance engagement.

Method:

A mixed-methods approach was applied.

Qualitative research: Semi-structured interviews with older adults (n=15) were carried out to identify and categorize motivations and barriers through thematic analysis. A diverse sample includes adults aged 65+ of various gender, education, socio-economic background, family status and household types, states of health & abilities, and residence in different parts of Prague.

Co-creation process involved older adults, community organizations, experts, and policymakers to develop an NBSP activity menu ensuring accessibility, affordability, and inclusion. This process was based on mapping and observations of Prague's public green spaces suitable for such activities.Results:

Findings highlight key barriers limiting older adults' interaction with urban nature. Identified issues were categorized as follows.

The access category covers various physical accessibility and affordability issues– these could be reduced if enough public green spaces are available across the city and easy to reach for people from all neighbourhoods, and also by providing reliable and convenient public transportation, free (or affordable) fares and entrance fees as well as suitable timing and/or opening hours. Accessibility is also connected with terrain and environment issues such as clear and safe spatial design, good quality of pathways, ramps or chairlifts, paths free of steep stairs or hills, convenient handrails and shading (especially on hot days).

Desired facilities include regularly cleaned and barrier-free toilets, seating, and refreshment opportunities. In the context of climate change, an emphasis was placed on specific requirements in various seasons and weather conditions.

Social and psychological barriers are primarily related to loneliness, safety concerns, and limited awareness of activities or uncertainty whether they would be suitable and feasible. It is thus advisable to provide trained and understanding guides/personnel, and a friendly environment respecting diverse ability, pace of walking, need of mobility aids etc.

To address these issues, a NBSP menu was co-created, featuring 27 structured activities such as excursions and walks, gardens and other green spaces, exercise and movement programmes and animal-assisted interventions and community nature events. Activities were designed to be inclusive and led by trained facilitators to enhance engagement.

Conclusions:

Prague's green spaces offer manifold opportunities for healthy ageing, but physical, environmental, economic, social and psychological barriers can limit their potential use and impact. Identifying and removing such barriers which reduce accessibility and convenience of urban green spaces while simultaneously expanding structured engagement programs can make Prague's nature a healing space for all generations.

Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-term care, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague

Pátkova 2137/5, Praha 8
182 00
The Czech Republic