The Impact of Urban Forests on the Quality of Life of the Elderly: A Multicultural Perspective

The objective of this study was to examine cultural differences in nature-related activities among elderly Spanish-speaking immigrants and English-speaking non_Hispanic Anglo-Americans. Respondents in adult day care and assisted living settings were questioned using nature "frames" (photographs selected as stimuli) to engage the participants in a discussion of nature-related activities and preferences. Findings indicate that Hispanicelderly prefer "furnished natural settings (e.g., shaded courtyeard with seating, plaza with informal seating) that are more conducive to family and group-oriented socialization and offer opportunities to exercise control. In addition to "furnished" natural settings, the Ango-American elderly were drawn towards "authetic" natural settings (e.g., green lawn, natural pond) that were highliy compatible with their preferred activities such as nature enjoyment and quiet reflection. THe findings provide a basis for a suggested approach to accommodate meaningful actitivities and experiences for diverse populations in any nature-based setting.