# Green Spaces and Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A Bibliometric Analysis

## TL;DR

This study uses bibliometric analysis to examine global research trends on how green spaces affect the health of older adults.

## Contribution

The study identifies emerging research themes and gaps in green space and aging research through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

## Key findings

- The United States, China, and Australia are leading contributors to research on green spaces and older adults' health.
- Key research themes include mental health, built environment, aging in place, and urban planning.
- Gaps exist in equitable access, longitudinal studies, and intervention-based research on green spaces for older adults.

## Abstract

As global populations age, promoting the health and well‐being of older adults has become a public health priority. Green spaces—such as parks, gardens, and forests—offer numerous health benefits, including enhanced physical activity, mental well‐being, and social interaction. This study employs a bibliometric analysis to explore global research trends on the relationship between green spaces and older adults’ health.

Data were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus databases, covering the period from 2004 to 2025. A total of 2066 relevant studies were identified and analyzed in terms of publication trends, geographical contributions, key research themes, and influential works.

Results indicate a growing body of research, with the United States, China, and Australia emerging as leading contributors. Keyword clustering highlights major research themes, including mental health, built environment, aging in place, and urban planning. Despite increasing recognition of the importance of green spaces for older adults, gaps remain in equitable access, longitudinal studies, and intervention‐based research.

The findings emphasize the need for policy‐driven urban planning that not only prioritizes green space accessibility but also addresses equity and supports healthy aging.