Age-friendly Rural Communities: A Multi-Case Study on Public Space Innovations for Active Aging

As China’s rural areas experience rapid population aging, traditional public spaces often fail to meet the specific needs of elderly people. This study addresses the necessity of age-friendly design to improve functionality and enhance the quality of life in rural communities. The study aims to provide suggestions for age-friendly rural public space design. The suggestions are based on seceral standaards used in the Chinese context, such as the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) and China’s age-friendly Community standards. It also explores whether spatial design can promote elderly social participation, health, and overall well-being. Using a qualitative approach, this analyses three case studiesin rural settings—Nanjing Pension Center, Chongqing Dongqiao Village, and Zhejiang Xikou Village. Data were collected through field observations, interviews, and literature reviews to identify key design elements and their impact on the elderly population. The study highlights the importance to include the following aspects into design of rural public spaces,i.e. accessibility, safety, comfort, social interaction, and digital infrastructure. It reveals that these elements, if carefully be addressed in public space design, are likely to help improve the quality of life for elderly people. Policy support, community-specific design, and active elderly involvement in the design process are considered to be essential tools for success.