Designing Age-Friendly Healing Landscapes for Rural Left-Behind Elderly in China

Xiayu Zhang; Jie Ren; Jian Yao; Huiyu Zhang

doi:10.6919/ICJE.202503_11(3).0009

Authors

Xiayu Zhang
Jie Ren
Jian Yao
Huiyu Zhang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6919/ICJE.202503_11(3).0009

Keywords:

Healing Landscapes; Left-behind Elderly; Mutual-aid Elderly Care; Beautiful Countryside.

Abstract

With the rapid progress of urbanization and the intensification of population aging in China, rural areas are increasingly experiencing the phenomenon of "hollowing-out," characterized by the outflow of young labor forces. Improving the quality of life and residential environments for left-behind elderly has become a key objective in the construction of a Beautiful Countryside. This study examines the living conditions of left-behind elderly from the perspectives of national policies, economic circumstances, and physical and mental health. It explores the relationship between new rural construction and the left-behind elderly while proposing a mutual-aid elderly care model based on healing landscapes. The research reveals that left-behind elderly in rural areas face significant challenges, including limited economic resources, underdeveloped elderly care environments, and serious physical and mental health issues. Drawing on the theory of healing landscapes, this study proposes a multi-dimensional and hierarchical design framework that optimizes the coexistence of productive, residential, and ecological spaces. The framework aims to invigorate elderly care facilities, encourage mutual aid and self-care behaviors among the elderly, and improve their quality of life. Ultimately, the study seeks to provide a healthy and joyful living environment for left-behind elderly while advancing the goals of Beautiful Countryside development.

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References

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