The intersection of rapid urbanization and an aging population necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing seniors' decisions to age in place in places characterized by traditional notions of migrating to rural ancestral roots. This study examines the role of public recreational facilities in this context, grounded in Cultural Attachment Theory. A triangulated mixed-methods approach was employed, involving face-to-face interviews, telephone surveys, and on-site questionnaires with 199 elderly respondents in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Qualitative findings revealed positive associations between natural recreational facilities and improved mental, physical, and social well-being. Quantitative results showed that proximity to these facilities significantly predicted seniors' intentions to age in place, driven by hedonic and eudaemonic attributes. The study highlights the importance of policy frameworks that support sustainable cities that enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and promote urban aging-in-place, especially in developing countries undergoing rapidly urbanizing landscapes. Based on evidence-based recommendations, one crucial step is to increase the provision and accessibility of natural recreational amenities that cater to the needs of the growing elderly population. This study contributes to bridging research gaps on the health, emotional, and residential impacts of public recreational facilities for vulnerable urban demographics.

Projects

Currently no objects available

Currently no objects available