Effects of Seating Layout on Older Adults' Social Interaction in an Older Residential Community: Evidence from 30 Seating Nodes in Xiaqiao Garden

Against the dual backdrop of population aging and neighborhood regeneration, seating has evolved from a basic resting facility into a small-scale spatial element that can shape older adults' everyday staying behavior and social contact. This study examines 30 seating nodes in Xiaqiao Garden through systematic field observation. Seating configuration, spatial organization, proximity to activity spaces and residential entrances, shade conditions, and observed use and social behavior were recorded at the node level. Pearson correlation was used for pairs of continuous variables, while Spearman correlation was used whenever a non-continuous variable was involved. Results show that seating capacity was positively associated with both older-user count (r = 0.792, p < 0.001) and social participation rate (r = 0.686, p < 0.001). Concentrated or node-based distribution, face-to-face orientation, proximity to activity spaces and residential entrances, and fixed shade also showed significant associations with use and/or social interaction. By contrast, seat spacing, facility completeness, and functional occupation did not exhibit stable statistical relationships. Based on these findings, four design priorities are proposed: hierarchical placement, optimization of seating combinations, shade-first siting, and coordination with compound everyday uses. The study provides quantitative evidence for low-cost, behavior-oriented age-friendly renewal in older residential communities.