Examining the pathways between neighborhood green spaces and the subjective well-being of older adults in Japanese public housing complexes

Public housing complexes around the world are designed to address the housing needs of economically disadvantaged and socially vulnerable populations. A fundamental feature of these developments is the integration of neighborhood green spaces, which are crucial for improving the residential environment. Recent research has shown a link between these green spaces and individual well-being. Nevertheless, the majority of studies tend to focus on wider age demographics or various types of residences, often overlooking specific populations within distinct residential models. Hence, the current study explores the correlations between neighborhood green spaces (NGS) and the subjective well-being (SWB) of residents aged 65 years and older residing in three distinct danchi public housing complexes in Japan. Using structural equation modeling, we aim to delineate the mediating roles of restorative quality and social cohesion in the relationship between NGS and SWB. Our results reveal that restorative quality serves as a significant independent mediator, while social cohesion contributes to well-being primarily through a sequential pathway following restorative experiences. These findings provide valuable insights and emphasize the potential protective role of NGS on a community scale for older populations. Such insights can inform future planning for public housing not only in Japan but also in other countries and regions grappling with the challenges posed by a rapidly aging demographic.