Urban riverbank green spaces as therapeutic environments: Examining the psychosocial benefits of square dance in aging populations in China

Green spaces along urban rivers have become popular venues for promoting physical activity (PA), particularly among older adults. However, there is little research on how the timing (morning versus nighttime) and location (green versus non-green spaces) of square dancing (reflecting PA) influence psychosocial benefits for older adults. Furthermore, gender differences in these interactions remain unexplored. This study examines the psychosocial benefits (e.g., reducing anxiety and depression disorders, improving psychological well-being and quality of life, enhancing emotional well-being, and alleviating psychological stress) of square dancing for aging Chinese adults with gender-specific preferences. This study utilized a cross-sectional sampling method with older adults from urban riverbank green spaces in China (N = 536; 315 women and 221 men) in 2023. We collected demographics, preferences (both time and location), and psychosocial health outcomes using well-known tools. Statistical analyses included correlation assessments, Wald Chi-Square tests, and gender-specific comparisons. Results indicated that 71.08 % of participants preferred PA in green spaces and 60.82 % preferred nighttime activities, highlighting clear patterns of engagement. Among men, PA timing was more strongly related to anxiety levels (Wald χ² = 5.178). Conversely, PA location was significantly associated with emotional well-being (Wald χ² = 5.822) and quality of life (Wald χ² = 6.748) outcomes among women. Nighttime PA in urban riverside green spaces offers psychological benefits to older Chinese adults, highlighting distinct gender- and time-specific effects. Considering these findings, public health and community planning initiatives need to be customized to improve overall health and well-being among the aging population.