RESEARCH

Enhancing the Health and Well-Being of People with Chronic Diseases: Assessment and Sustainable Development Planning for Therapeutic Landscapes after Urban Expansion

The study found that from 2004 to 2020, overall therapeutic performance scores in East Lake Forest Park improved from 3.44 to 5.64, reflecting a steady increase in health-supportive features. However, while social and physical dimensions improved significantly, access to nature and sensory stimulation showed up to 20% decline, revealing a key area for targeted park regeneration.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Public/Botanical Gardens, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Improved Stress Management, Sensory Stimulation, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Edible Plant Gardening, Medicinal Plants

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This study looked at how parks and green spaces in shrinking cities can be redesigned to support the health of people living with chronic illnesses. The researchers focused on East Lake Forest Park in Jinzhou, China—a city that experienced fast urban growth and is now facing population decline and aging. Using focus groups, interviews, and surveys with 86 local residents who had chronic diseases, the study explored how the park supported their physical and emotional health over 16 years. The team built a framework that considered things like physical activity, social interactions, connection to nature, and sensory experiences to assess how therapeutic the park really was.

The study found that while the park had become more welcoming and active over time, some important natural features like green spaces and medicinal plants had been lost. People still found the park helpful for exercising, meeting others, and enjoying calming sights and sounds, but the full healing potential wasn’t being met. To better support health and well-being, the authors recommended adding features like herb gardens, sensory paths, and quiet zones, especially for older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

Link

Mei, L., Liu, K., & Zhu, B-W. (2022). Enhancing the health and well-being of people with chronic diseases: Assessment and sustainable development planning for therapeutic landscapes after urban expansion. Journal of Healthcare Engineering 2021.

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