Abstract
As the pace of urban life accelerates, an increasing number of people fall into a sub-healthy state. In response, there is a growing desire among individuals to enhance life satisfaction and well-being by reconnecting with natural environments. Against this backdrop, urban parks have become popular destinations for recreational activities, providing opportunities for relaxation. Natural soundscapes, as critical ecosystem services, exert positive effects on physical and mental health. This study analyzed 446 survey responses using SPSS 25.0 and Mplus 8.0 to explore how soundscape perception related to the well-being of elderly recreational visitors in urban parks. The results were as follows: Firstly, there was a positive correlation between the soundscape perception of elderly recreational visitors and their well-being. Secondly, place attachment acted as a mediator in the relationship between soundscape perception and well-being for these elderly visitors. Thirdly, restorative perception also played a mediating role in this relationship. Fourthly, place attachment and restorative perception jointly played a serial mediating role in the association between the soundscape perception and well-being of elderly recreational visitors. Finally, leisure involvement moderated the relationship between soundscape perception and the well-being of elderly recreational visitors. These findings contribute to ecosystem services and public health theories, while providing practical guidance for enhancing elderly visitors’ health and well-being.
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Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that many countries are entering an aging society1. By 2050, China is expected to have 120 million older adults, while globally this number will reach 434 million. However, longer life expectancy does not guarantee health. With age, physiological decline and chronic diseases require medical care2. Psychologically, aging and reduced social interactions can lead to mental health issues like depression3,4. Thus, maintaining the physical and mental health of older adults is crucial for their well-being. Well-being, reflecting positive attitudes and emotions, is a key life quality indicator5. Recent studies highlight the link between natural environments and well-being6,7,8, confirming the role of environmental factors in promoting elderly health.
As the pace of urban life accelerates, many people are experiencing suboptimal health conditions. In response, there is a growing interest in reconnecting with and experiencing nature. Urban parks, due to their accessibility and affordability, have become essential recreational spaces for residents. These parks not only contribute to mental health improvements but also offer opportunities for leisure activities9,10. The environmental attributes of urban parks significantly alleviate mental stress and physical fatigue, thereby boosting individual well-being11,12,13. Research indicates that frequent visits to urban parks enhance both well-being and life satisfaction while mitigating psychological discomfort and anxiety14. Consequently, urban parks are increasingly being chosen by residents for recreational pursuits.
Natural soundscapes are pivotal ecosystem services that profoundly influence individuals’ physical and mental health15,16. Schafer initially conceptualized sound as a landscape element analogous to visual scenery, defining the soundscape as “the auditory attributes inherent within the landscape”17. ISO describes it as the “acoustic environment perceived in a specific setting”18. Unlike traditional sound environments, which are characterized by their auditory features and physical traits, soundscapes emphasize the individual-centered perceptual construct, both of which are shaped by environmental factors19,20,21,22. Human perception of soundscapes is rooted in observations of the surrounding sound environment, with subjective feedback influenced by psychological and physiological states23,24,25,26. Consequently, scholars have initiated investigations into the impact of soundscapes on individual well-being27,28. Nonetheless, there are areas that require further exploration. Although soundscape methodologies have been applied in highlands29, campus landscapes30, and urban shopping streets31, their application in urban parks remains limited. Additionally, prior research has primarily concentrated on the relationship between soundscapes and restorative benefits, along with the impact of restorative environments on well-being. However, the connection between soundscape perception and well-being has received relatively little attention32,33. Therefore, delving into the intrinsic mechanisms linking soundscape perception and well-being among elderly recreational visitors in urban parks holds considerable theoretical and practical significance.
Place attachment, a well-recognized concept in environmental psychology, denotes the emotional bond forged through the interaction between individuals and specific places34. This bond emerges from people’s active participation in place-related activities and their in-depth familiarity with the place35. It represents both an emotional and cognitive connection that individuals establish with particular locations, rooted in subjective perceptions and nurtured by emotional and functional satisfaction within that context34,36. For example, the harmonious sounds of birds, the gentle murmur of water, and the expanse of lush greenery can strengthen residents’ attachment to their surroundings, influencing their leisure behaviors and well-being37,38,39,40. Research indicates that elderly recreational visitors with stronger place attachment and more active leisure engagement enjoy better well-being37,38.
Different environments offer a variety of recreational activities. When engaging in outdoor activities, people are likely to notice the beautiful scenery39. Natural landscapes not only bring physical and mental relaxation but also help individuals recover from fatigue and regain the energy for daily life39. Parks, as nature-dominated spaces, can provide visually pleasing experiences and potentially help visitors recover from tiredness40. The cognitive experience in such settings is termed restorative perception41. Urban parks, vital parts of urban ecosystems and landscapes, are closely related to public health and have a positive impact on human healing and restoration42,43. There is a growing focus on the restorative value of natural environments44. While previous studies often focused on the visual experience of environments, scholars now advocate for research on non-visual aspects of restorative perception, including sound, scent, and touch45,46,47,48,49. Recent studies have confirmed the positive effects of restorative perception on the well-being of recreational participants50,51,52.
Derived from psychology, the concept of involvement highlights “undetected motives, incentives, or interests individuals hold in a specific leisure activity or product, often triggered by particular stimuli or situations”53. Typically, those with high leisure involvement tend to experience more positive psychological outcomes like enjoyment, relaxation, and joy54. For example, Kerr et al.55 found that elderly outdoor activity participants who engage for over 30 min daily show fewer depression symptoms and higher self-perceived physical function. Jacobs et al.56 arrived at analogous conclusions. Consequently, place attachment, restorative perception, and leisure involvement may interplay to shape the connection between soundscape perception and well-being.
In light of the foregoing analysis, this research employs Zhengzhou People’s Park as the case area, incorporating the variables of place attachment, restorative perception, and leisure involvement to scrutinize the internal dynamics linking soundscape perception to well-being. The outcomes can not only enrich theoretical constructs related to ecosystem services and public health services but also provide invaluable insights for advancing the physical and mental health of elderly recreational visitors and augmenting their overall well-being.
Hypothesis development
Soundscape perception and well-being
Human emotions are closely tied to sound’s acoustic properties, with sound sources and their conveyed information playing a crucial role in soundscape perception57. From a health standpoint, sound perception can be leveraged to enhance human experiences58. Research indicates that negative soundscapes can evoke feelings of aversion, while positive soundscapes promote mental well-being59 and improve quality of life60,61,62. Individuals’ perception of soundscapes involves complex cognitive processes, including associations, memories, and reflections regarding their surroundings. Consequently, satisfaction with soundscapes influences overall environmental satisfaction63,64. Furthermore, individuals’ deep contemplation of sound issues in urban parks can strengthen their environmental values, thereby reinforcing the emotions and attitudes shaped by their soundscape perception62,65,66,67,68. For instance, natural sounds like birdsong69 and water70 are considered positive elements of soundscapes. These sounds, which are highly congruent with natural environments, provide recreational visitors with a sense of pleasure and comfort71, significantly enhancing their well-being. Based on these insights, the following hypothesis is proposed:
H1: There is a positive correlation between the soundscape perception and well-being of elderly recreational visitors.
The mediating role of place attachment
Soundscapes contribute significantly to individuals’ psychological stability and behavioral choices57. Research has confirmed intricate interactions among soundscapes, human behavior, and environmental sustainability, underscoring the potential impact of soundscape perception on place attachment72. Compared to visual landscapes, soundscapes uniquely shape local culture, foster a sense of belonging, and facilitate emotional connections to specific places73. These advantages of soundscapes can enhance individuals’ sense of attachment to their environment, alleviate anxiety, and promote positive psychological experiences and behavioral choices, all of which contribute to the formation of individual place attachment74. For instance, the presence of music in urban open spaces has been shown to extend the duration that people spend in those places75.
As a positive emotional bond76, place attachment can enhance self-esteem77, increase resilience to environmental risks78, improve perceived quality of life79, and promote social well-being80. Unlike other demographic groups, elderly recreational visitors tend to be more sensitive to changes in their external environment80. In familiar settings where they experience a strong sense of belonging, these individuals are more likely to achieve a higher level of well-being74.
Based on these insights, the following hypothesis is proposed:
H2: Place attachment mediates the relationship between soundscape perception and well-being among elderly recreational visitors.
The mediating role of restorative perception
Kaplan81 theorizes that restoration is driven by cognitive experiences, including soft fascination, effortless attention, psychological escape, spatial range, and compatibility with the environment. Although the initial framework didn’t explicitly address sound, visually complex scenes can be effectively represented by acoustically rich soundscapes82. The acoustic and aesthetic characteristics of sounds, including birdsong and other natural calls, are also linked to the assessment of perceived restoration83. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) posits that natural environments serve as primary stress relievers81. Moreover, Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) posits that stress can lead to unpleasant feelings and declines in cognitive and behavioral capacities. However, environments enriched with specific positive elements, such as cheerful bird calls and soothing water sounds, can facilitate relaxation, alleviate negative emotions, and transform them into positive feelings, thereby restoring cognitive and behavioral functions. These transformations are often accompanied by sustained attention restoration84. Consequently, there is a positive correlation between soundscape perception and restorative perception among elderly recreational visitors.
Recent studies have explored the impact of restorative perception on recreational visitors’ well-being50,51,52. Key findings include: firstly, restorative perception enhances psychological recovery for elderly recreational visitors. For instance, exposure to natural sounds reduces stress and fatigue from daily life85,86, subsequently improving mental health and overall well-being44. Secondly, restorative perception aids in emotional regulation. Research has demonstrated that restorative perceptions of natural environments can diminish negative emotions like anxiety and depression while enhancing positive emotions such as joy and satisfaction, thereby improving overall well-being84. Additionally, restorative perception positively affects cognitive function. Environments with high restorative potential can enhance attention, memory, and decision-making abilities, which are particularly crucial for elderly recreational visitors as they contribute to improved quality of life and well-being87. Lastly, restorative perception fosters social interaction. Restorative environments, such as parks and nature reserves, provide spaces and opportunities for social activities. Positive social interactions can strengthen the social support networks of elderly recreational visitors, thereby enhancing their well-being88.
Based on these insights, this hypothesis is proposed:
H3: Restorative perception mediates the relationship between soundscape perception and well-being among elderly recreational visitors.
Place attachment and restorative perception
There is often a strong positive emotional connection between individuals and their preferred places89. Therefore, place attachment may be linked to restorative perception. Feeling connected to a place’s symbolic significance fosters a psychological escape from daily routines90. Research indicates that urban residents or local tourists engaging in leisure activities differ significantly from external tourists in terms of length of stay, frequency of contact, and socio-psychological aspects91. Thus, the degree of place attachment among these groups may also vary, ultimately leading to differences in restorative perception88. This implies that urban residents’ place attachment to urban parks enhances restorative perception92,93. Therefore, tourists’ place attachment positively affects their restorative perception. Based on hypotheses H2, H3, and the analysis above, the following hypothesis is proposed:
H4: Place attachment and restorative perception play a serial mediating role in the relationship between elderly recreational visitors’ soundscape perception and well-being.
The moderating role of leisure involvement
The Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests that regular engagement in leisure activities can effectively relieve personal and work-related stress and foster positive social relationships, which in turn significantly improves overall well-being94. For the elderly, participating in leisure activities is a vital way to realize self-worth through social or individual pursuits, facilitating self-recognition and the maintenance of vitality95. Firstly, leisure involvement can boost the perceived value. According to the Goal Theory, individual goals and value orientations are vital for achieving and maintaining well-being. People usually choose leisure activities based on specific motives. The degree of leisure involvement, reflecting the extent of behavioral and psychological engagement in fulfilling these motives, may be the key to the well-being contribution of leisure activities96. Elderly visitors with high leisure involvement in parks value their experiences more, including the soundscape perception. When highly engaged, they’re more sensitive to soundscape quality and gain greater psychological and emotional benefits. For example, natural sounds like bird songs and flowing water induce relaxation and satisfaction, enhancing well-being20. Secondly, leisure involvement can promote positive psychological reactions. High levels of leisure involvement not only improve the perception of the soundscape but also stimulate positive psychological responses. If elderly recreational visitors are more engaged in park leisure activities, they may reduce mental stress97,98 and experience stronger feelings of pleasure and identification62,65,66. These positive psychological states can magnify the positive impact of the park’s soundscape on well-being71. Thirdly, leisure involvement can expand social opportunities. The Conservation of Resources Theory (COR) posits that people aim to obtain, maintain, and safeguard valuable resources, including material, social, personal (e.g., skills and knowledge), and conditional resources (e.g., health and status). Leisure participation usually entails social interaction, which is highly visible among elderly recreational visitors with high-level involvement. In parks, elderly visitors can make new friends and establish social networks through shared leisure activities99. This social support can augment their social resources, enhance physical function, alleviate anxiety and loneliness, facilitate social interaction, and improve overall well-being100. Notably, in a favorable soundscape environment, the interaction between social activities and the soundscape may generate a positive superposition effect101. Finally, leisure involvement can mitigate the negative impacts of poor soundscapes. The Social Cognitive Theory highlights the interplay among an individual’s cognition, behavior, and environment. Elderly recreational visitors’ views on leisure activities shape their level of involvement. If they see park leisure as valuable, they’ll engage more. High-involvement visitors are more attuned to the soundscape. A positive soundscape perception, combined with their positive view of leisure, boosts well-being. Conversely, a negative perception may prompt proactive actions like seeking quieter spots or using personal devices to enhance the experience102. When involvement is low, their response to the soundscape is weaker, lessening its impact on well-being, showing leisure involvement’s moderating effect. Based on these insights, this hypothesis is proposed:
H5: Leisure involvement moderates the relationship between soundscape perception and well-being for elderly recreational visitors.
The research model of this study is shown in Fig. 1.
Research model.
Method
Samples
The questionnaire is divided into two parts: the first part explains the study’s objectives and assures respondents of data confidentiality, emphasizing that the information collected is used exclusively for scientific research and not for commercial purposes. The second part includes various variables, and the order of the items for these variables was randomized to minimize respondent bias. This study received ethical approval from the Economics and Management School of Pingdingshan University (EA-2023047) prior to data collection. Upon review, this study used anonymized data, posed no harm, and did not infringe on personal or commercial interests. The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and complied with ethical guidelines issued by the Chinese government. Additionally, all participants were adults, and no minors were involved.
The data for this study were collected through offline means. Taking into account the climate in Zhengzhou, the weather is extremely cold from January to February and relatively hot from July to August annually. During these two periods, the number of elderly people visiting the park for recreational purposes is relatively small, which is unfavorable for data collection. Therefore, the data were gathered from September to December 2023 and from March to June 2024. Each month, between the 1st and the 10th, field researchers carried out random-sampling surveys among tourists at ten pre - designated locations within the study area. The selection of these ten locations was primarily guided by the following three principles: (1) Focusing on the diversity of sound sources: The selected areas cover mixed zones of natural sounds (such as bird songs and the sound of flowing water), artificial sounds (like background music and facility noises), and human activity sounds (including conversations and sports sounds). (2) Emphasizing spatial heterogeneity: These locations include different spatial types such as open lawns, dense forest areas, waterfront zones, and hard-surfaced squares. (3) Taking into account the intensity gradient of use: They encompass both high-frequency use areas (such as entrance squares and fitness areas) and low-frequency use areas (such as secluded paths and ecological protection areas).
Before filling out the questionnaires, tourists were provided with a detailed explanation of the study’s purpose and how the data would be used. They were assured that their information would be kept anonymous and used solely for scientific research, with no commercial applications. Only after obtaining written informed consent from the tourists were they invited to participate in the questionnaire. Moreover, the study subjects were elderly recreational visitors, excluding minors. To encourage honest responses, each tourist who completed the questionnaire received a small gift worth 10 RMB.
A total of 529 questionnaires were received, of which 446 were deemed valid after excluding those that were incomplete or contained logical errors. Among the 446 valid questionnaires, the average age was 58 years (SD = 6.2 years). The demographic breakdown was as follows: 197 males (44.2%) and 249 females (55.8%); 261 respondents with a high school education or below (58.5%), 157 with a university degree (35.2%), and 28 with a master’s degree or higher (6.3%); 84 self-employed individuals (18.8%), 43 public servants (9.6%), 71 technical professionals (15.9%), 142 corporate employees (31.8%), and 106 retirees (23.8%); 278 urban residents (62.3%) and 168 from outside the city (37.7%).
Measurement
Based on current research findings103, this study categorized soundscapes into natural sounds, artificial sounds, and mechanical sounds. Natural sounds encompass water flow, bird and insect calls, footsteps on grass, fallen leaves, or snow, and wind sounds (such as rustling leaves), among others. Artificial sounds include conversations, athletic activities, children’s play, singing, and broadcast sounds, while mechanical sounds include vehicle traffic and construction noises. Considering the significant influence of factors such as the location of parks and the presence of construction activities on mechanical sounds—for instance, parks located in city centers near major traffic arteries or undergoing construction tend to exhibit more pronounced mechanical sounds, whereas parks in suburban areas far from major roads and without construction activities show less noticeable mechanical sounds—this study primarily measured soundscapes based on two dimensions (natural and artificial sounds) to mitigate potential sampling biases and enhance findings’ applicability.
According to ISO/TS12913-2, pleasantness and eventfulness are identified as the two primary factors influencing emotional quality in soundscape perception104. Drawing on existing research105, this study employed six indicators—pleasant, harmonious, tranquil, monotonous, eventful, and interesting—to measure these factors.
Place attachment was measured using Williams and Vaske’s106 6-item scale, with a representative item: “This park is more suitable for various recreational activities than other places.” Restorative perception was measured based on Liu et al.92, comprising 16 items across four dimensions (perceptual distancing, compatibility, ductility, and charisma), with a sample item: “The park evokes a sense of detachment from the mundane.” Leisure involvement was measured using scales from Weng et al.107 and Yu et al.108, encompassing 5 items (e.g., “I am willing to invest time and effort into park activities”). Well-being was measured following Zhang and Zhou109 and Wang et al.110, including 5 items (e.g., “The recreational experiences in the park enable me to better handle any issues”).
All scale items were assessed using a seven-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 7 (Strongly Agree).
Tools
This study employed SPSS 25 and Mplus 8.0 for data processing.
Results
Reliability and validity
Table 1 shows all items’ factor loadings exceed 0.66, and variables’ CR values range from 0.84 to 0.90, with AVEs over 0.51, demonstrating solid reliability and convergent validity. Table 2 reveals the square root of AVE surpasses inter-variable correlations, confirming strong discriminant validity.
Model fit
The model fit indices indicated a good fit: χ2/df = 2.78, CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.06, and SRMR = 0.07.
Mediating effect
In Table 3, soundscape perception significantly influenced elderly people’s well-being (total effect = 0.47, p < 0.001), comprising a direct effect of 0.18 (p < 0.001) and an indirect effect of 0.28 (p < 0.001). Mediating through Ind1 (SP-> PA-> WB), Ind2 (SP-> RP-> WB), and Ind3 (SP-> PA-> RP-> WB) were 0.13, 0.11, and 0.05 respectively. BOOTSTRAP results (5000 times) indicated 95% confidence intervals of Ind1, Ind2, and Ind3 excluding 0, supporting H2, H3, and H4.
Moderating effect
The results of the moderation effect test were presented in Table 4, confirming H5. Figure 2 illustrates the moderation effect of leisure involvement, showing a steeper slope for high leisure involvement compared to low leisure involvement. This indicates that the greater the leisure involvement of elderly recreational visitors, the stronger the positive relationship between their soundscape perception in urban parks and their well-being.
The moderating effect of leisure involvement (LI).
Discussion
Theoretical contributions
On one hand, the study further extended the application scenarios of soundscapes as a vital ecosystem service function. With urban life accelerating, a prevalent suboptimal health condition has emerged among urban residents. To enhance their quality of life and well-being, there is a growing inclination towards affinity and immersion in nature. Consequently, urban parks have become increasingly popular sites for recreational activities, offering spaces for leisure pursuits9,10. Natural soundscapes serve as a critical ecosystem service, positively affecting individuals’ physical and mental health15. Although the soundscape approach has been applied in highlands29, campus landscapes30, and urban shopping streets31, its utilization within urban parks remains comparatively restricted. While this study has reached similar conclusions regarding the positive effects of soundscapes as previous research29,30,31, it delved into how the perception of soundscapes in urban parks exerts a positive influence on the well-being of elderly recreational visitors, broadening the application of soundscapes as a crucial ecosystem service in this particular setting.
On the other hand, the study elucidated the mechanism underlying the relationship between soundscape perception and well-being for elderly recreational visitors in urban parks. Previous research predominantly focused on the impact of soundscape perception on restorative perception, and how restorative perception variables influence well-being, with scant attention given to the direct relationship between soundscape perception and well-being32,33. Additionally, the study investigated the moderating role of leisure involvement on the relationship between soundscape perception and well-being, shedding light on the previously unexplored “black box” of this relationship. This provides valuable insights into understanding the internal mechanisms linking soundscape perception and well-being for elderly recreational visitors in urban parks.
Practical implications
(1) Enhancing the soundscape design of urban parks. Landscape designers can leverage modern technological tools to seamlessly integrate contemporary and ancient soundscapes, creating an environment that is both attractive and versatile, rich in sound diversity. This approach enhances the perception of positive sounds, fostering a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere that harmonizes visual and auditory experiences, thereby improving visitors’ environmental experience. Additionally, it is essential to protect the original soundscape of botanical gardens through zero-design methods, such as strictly limiting over-artificialization of water systems and preserving the original ecological conditions. Under safe conditions, proper protection should be provided for decaying trees or old trees to attract more animals, thereby increasing biodiversity and the richness of sound sources. Negative design techniques can be employed to reduce or eliminate discordant sounds within the park, thereby enhancing the restorative effects of the soundscape and improving the subjective well-being of visitors.
(2) Strengthening the place attachment among elderly recreational visitors. For elderly groups with low place attachment, enhancing positive emotional experiences is crucial: First, catering to the psychological traits of elderly visitors who prioritize safety and convenience, the park should optimize its road system, elevate management service levels, and install age-appropriate recreational facilities, such as adding benches in the areas where elderly visitors rest and engage in activities. Second, enhancing the fun factor during leisure activities by organizing events that cater to the preferences of the elderly, such as card games, music and dance, and themed photography, to boost their spiritual vitality and satisfaction, thereby improving their well-being. Third, creating dedicated rest and social interaction areas by providing ample seating and shaded areas, and designing small gathering spaces or plazas to facilitate social interactions, thereby enhancing a sense of belonging. Fourth, regularly hosting various activities tailored for elderly visitors, such as tai chi, square dancing, and walking events, which attract participation and foster social interaction.
(3) Enhancing restorative perceptions among elderly recreational visitors. On one hand, promoting psychological recovery among the elderly by leveraging natural environments in urban parks. The landscape design should minimize artificial elements that are discordant with the environment, enhance the management and maintenance of natural landscapes, and provide more opportunities for direct contact with nature. Utilizing modern technologies like networked audio transmission and sound field control to implement natural soundscape experiences throughout the park, allowing visitors to hear subtle sounds like frog croaks, bird chirps, and flowing water, creating a diverse and rich natural atmosphere. Establishing buffer zones with common garden plants and incorporating dynamic water features into the landscape can help mitigate environmental noise for visitors. On the other hand, encouraging physical activity to promote physiological recovery. Effective traffic flow design can enhance connectivity and permeability of both internal and external spaces, prompting more passing behaviors (such as walking or jogging). Providing ample fitness areas and equipment for a variety of garden wellness activities can help the elderly achieve higher health benefits.
(4) Increasing leisure involvement among elderly recreational visitors through multi-faceted approaches. Urban parks are crucial venues for the leisure activities of elderly visitors, and appropriate design and management can significantly enhance their participation. To encourage greater use of urban parks by elderly visitors, it is essential to explore multiple avenues for boosting their leisure involvement. This includes environmental design and facility improvements by installing barrier-free access, ramps, seating, and restrooms to facilitate easy movement. Ensuring appropriate path widths and smooth surfaces can guarantee safe walking and reduce the risk of falls. Strategic placement of suitable paths, walkways, and fitness equipment tailored for the elderly can effectively increase involvement. These paths should be well-paved to avoid debris and provide comfort for walking, jogging, or using wheelchairs. Additionally, including fitness equipment like stretch machines and steppers can cater to the needs of elderly visitors. Leveraging community bulletin boards, social media, and mobile apps to promptly share information about park activities, establishing a dedicated hotline or customer service to address inquiries and provide guidance for participation, are additional measures that can effectively boost leisure involvement, enabling elderly visitors to enjoy a richer and more fulfilling life in urban parks, thereby enhancing their physical and mental well-being, and improving their overall well-being.
Limitations and future research directions
Firstly, the soundscape of urban parks mainly comprises natural sounds, artificial sounds, and mechanical sounds. The case study area selected for this research, Zhengzhou People’s Park, is large in area and has well-developed surrounding facilities. During the study, there was no construction work taking place either inside or around the park. As a result, the noise from construction machinery and vehicle traffic had little impact on elderly recreational visitors enjoying the park. In the future, it is crucial to improve the representativeness of selected case areas and further investigate the influence of construction machinery and vehicle noises on the conclusions. Secondly, this study primarily used cross-sectional data, which has limitations when inferring causal relationships. Future research could employ longitudinal data to better establish causality. Thirdly, this study explored how soundscape perception in urban parks positively affects elderly visitors’ well-being. Whether these conclusions apply to different age groups requires further exploration. Future studies can extend the research to diverse age cohorts to examine generational differences’ impact on the findings. Finally, different cultural backgrounds and customs have distinct impacts on psychological responses and behavioral choices. Cross-cultural research should be conducted to enhance the conclusions’ applicability.
Data availability
The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Li, N., Wang, H. & Fan, J. How soundscape perception enhances the well-being of elderly recreational visitors in urban parks: a case study of Zhengzhou People’s Park. Sci Rep 15, 16652 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98125-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98125-6
