A Study on the Soundscape Preferences of the Elderly in the Urban Forest Parks of Underdeveloped Cities in China

Against the backdrop of global aging trend, proportion elderly population is severely increasing in urban areas underdeveloped regions. Despite evidence that forest parks are effective at enhancing physical and mental well-being elderly, little has been done to investigate connection between regions, landscape studies particular lacking. This study attempted address this gap, using a subjective evaluation method which 725 respondents were engaged questionnaire survey on their soundscape preferences an city China. The results revealed people’s for soundscapes, further analysis demonstrated relationships these features. effects personal traits living situations determined by analyzing impacts conditions, occupation, education preferences. By building model with regression coefficients, most powerful factors influencing choice investigated. It was found (1) types sound sources preferred descending order, natural sound, livestock bird song, musical other sounds. (2) differences among education, age all affected participants’ preferences, i.e., mean values older adults varied age. value preference higher who had received government officials business managers, belonged groups. (3) Among various influential length time spent waterfront environment, park, importance road signs. (4) soundscapes strongly connected happiness life. (5) Wearing mask significantly reduced perception scores under epidemic while vaccinated individuals more tolerant noises. Recommendations design improve people accordingly provided.