This study focuses on community parks in the core area of Beijing. The core area of Beijing primarily refers to Dongcheng District and Xicheng District, which together form the capital’s core functional zone and are typical examples of high-density urban areas. It is also one of the areas with the most pronounced aging problem in Beijing. According to the Seventh National Population Census of China, the proportion of residents aged 60 and above in the core functional area of Beijing exceeds one-fourth of the total population. On this basis, this study conducted field investigations and comprehensive analyses of community parks in Beijing’s core area, and selected those with relatively favorable conditions and strong representativeness as research samples.

Wanshou Park is located on the north side of Baizhifang East Street in Xicheng District, Beijing, covering an area of approximately 5.1 hectares. It is a community park themed around “filial piety” and “longevity.” Meanwhile, the area is home to Beijing’s first senior-friendly park. The park’s landscape is characterized by a traditional Chinese garden style, preserving Ming and Qing architectural features and integrating classical elements such as rocks, water bodies, pavilions, and corridors. Distinctive attractions include the central lake, green hill landscape, and cultural wall. The park also incorporates functional zones tailored to older adults’ activities, including an older adults’ activity center zone, an outdoor dancing zone, sparse woodland fitness zone, and flower-viewing and bird-watching zone, thereby addressing the diverse needs of older adults (Figure 1).

Shuangxiu Park, located on North Third Ring Middle Road in Xicheng District, Beijing, covers an area of 6.4 hectares and represents a distinctive blend of Chinese and Japanese garden styles. Its landscape features traditional Chinese pavilions, a Japanese-style rock garden, meandering waterways, and diverse vegetation, forming typical Sino-Japanese characteristics with a clear spatial structure. The park is organized into functional zones including horticultural experience zone, older adults’ fitness zone, children’s play zone, and tranquil courtyard zone. Equipped with pathways, cafés, and other facilities, it provides an urban green space that integrates leisure, fitness, family activities, and nature experiences for the public (Figure 2).

Nanguan Park, located in Dongcheng District of Beijing and covering an area of approximately 2.9 hectares, is the city’s first urban park to integrate the concept of zero-carbon sustainability with age-friendly design. The park features a modern green landscape where technology is made visible and harmoniously blended with nature. It incorporates multiple low-carbon technologies, including solar-powered lighting and rainwater harvesting, while utilizing native and drought-tolerant plant species to create a multi-layered, evergreen ecological atmosphere. The park is organized into clearly defined functional zone, including children’s play zone, older adults’ fitness zone, nature experience zone, and tranquil leisure areas. Equipped with exhibition halls, science education pavilions, and convenient public facilities, the park achieves an organic integration of ecology, recreation, and science popularization (Figure 3).

This study establishes a multidimensional indicator system for evaluating the age-friendly of community parks through a process of field investigation, literature review, expert screening, and statistical validation. First, detailed field investigations were conducted at the study sites to collect extensive image data. By reviewing a large body of literature and integrating the field survey results, relevant factors influencing the assessment of community park age-friendly were preliminarily summarized.

In the expert screening stage, a total of eight experts were invited to evaluate and screen the assessment factors. As the evaluation system for age-friendly community parks is closely related to their spatial environmental elements (11), and the spatial environmental elements and their design of community parks fall within the broader domain of urban design, we therefore selected four experts with professional backgrounds in urban design. Meanwhile, following the principles of relevance to the research topic and professional coverage, we further refined the impact of community park spatial environments on older adults, and selected an additional four experts covering the fields of environmental design, architectural design, and psychology from the perspectives of environmental design, public service facilities, and environmental psychology. These scholars all have extensive research and practical experience in age-friendly design within their respective professional backgrounds. Detailed information on the backgrounds and relevant work experience of the evaluating experts can be found in Supplementary Table S1.

Regarding the evaluation method, we employed online questionnaires, which were distributed to the experts in two rounds: the first round was distributed on December 6, 2024, with all questionnaires collected by December 14, 2024; the second round was distributed on December 18, 2024, and collected by December 22, 2024. Field survey image data were provided as supplementary references to support the expert evaluations. After two rounds of Delphi consultation, the coordination coefficient (Kendall’s W) for expert opinions reached 0.824 for the primary and 0.811 for the secondary indicators, indicating strong consensus. The primary indicators were ultimately confirmed as accessibility, safety, comfort, functional diversity, and social support. The conceptual definitions of each indicator are detailed as Table 1 follows:

Using the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), five first-level indicators and 21 s-level indicators were identified for the age-friendly nature of community parks, as Figure 4 follows:

By combining field surveys in Beijing with a literature review, we developed a set of 21 indicators. To calculate the combined weights of these indicators from both subjective and objective perspectives, evaluation data were collected from older adult users in three community parks via questionnaires, and the Entropy Weight Method was subsequently applied to determine objective weights. Although the questionnaire data reflect the subjective perceptions of older adults, when supported by a sufficiently large sample, they can objectively represent the actual performance of each park’s spatial environment across different characteristic dimensions (47).

Based on the developed indicators, we designed a questionnaire and distributed it across the three community parks included in the study. The distribution was conducted in two stages: the first stage involved a preliminary experiment on February 10, 2025, and the second stage involved the main survey from February 12 to 15, 2024, spanning a total of 5 days. The questionnaires were administered in person. Considering that the respondents were older adults aged 60 and above, some faced difficulties in filling out the forms due to declining vision; thus, surveyors provided assistance by recording their verbal responses. Initially, 30 questionnaires were distributed at Wanshou Park for the pilot survey. Subsequently, 110 questionnaires were distributed at each of the three parks—Wanshou Park, Shuangxiu Park, and Nanguan Park—resulting in 105, 100, and 104 valid responses, respectively. In total, 330 questionnaires were distributed, with 309 valid responses collected, yielding an effective response rate of 93.64%. Among the respondents, 37.54% were male and 62.46% were female, with 89.64% aged between 60 and 80 years. Most respondents had an education level of high school or vocational college, a monthly income of 5,000–10,000 RMB, and lived with their spouse, accounting for 57.60, 58.90, and 79.29%, respectively. Detailed demographic information of the respondents is presented in Supplementary Tables S2–S4.

The Likert 5-point scale method was employed to measure overall satisfaction with community parks among older adults. Each factor in the evaluation system was assigned values of 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, and 1.0 on a 5-point scale, corresponding to the rating categories of “very satisfied,” “fairly satisfied,” “neutral,” “not very satisfied,” and “very dissatisfied.” The older adult respondents scored based on their perception of the friendliness of community parks. The importance and relevance of the factors were positively correlated with the scores given by the older adult respondents; the higher the score, the higher the importance and relevance. The questionnaires were distributed at three community parks in the core area of Beijing and distributed to eligible individuals by members with professional knowledge. The detailed content of the questionnaire is as follows (Table 2).

This paper adopts a combination of subjective and objective weighting methods. It combines the subjective experience of AHP with the objective data-driven approach of entropy weighting to balance qualitative and quantitative factors in decision-making. AHP is used to clarify the decision-making framework through hierarchical decomposition, while entropy weighting dynamically adjusts the weights, and TOPSIS responds to data changes. The combination of subjective and objective weighting reduces dependence on expert subjectivity and enhances the credibility of the results. The entropy weight method automatically selects high-information-content indicators, while TOPSIS rapidly completes large-scale scheme ranking and comparative analysis. This method is suitable for complex decision-making scenarios involving multiple criteria, multiple stakeholders, and heterogeneous data.

Compared with previous methods, such as fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and gray correlation, this paper introduces the entropy weight method based on expert opinions to ensure the objectivity of the weights, forming a qualitative and quantitative combined indicator weight calculation method, which effectively increases the reliability of the data in the weight calculation process.

Therefore, this paper combines the existing subjective evaluation methods with the entropy weight-TOPSIS method for calculating weights to form an AHP–Entropy Weight–TOPSIS evaluation method that combines subjective and objective values. This method can balance and objectively combine expert opinions and user data to form an evaluation system for the aging-friendly design of community parks (Figure 5).

TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) ranks and evaluates various schemes by standardizing, weighting, and calculating the distance between the evaluation object’s indicator data and the ideal solution, then determining the relative proximity. The core principle of this method is that the optimal solution should be closest to the positive ideal solution and farthest from the negative ideal solution. In this study, questionnaires were distributed to residents who met the criteria, and satisfaction levels for each indicator were rated on a scale of 1–5, yielding scores for each park across all indicators, which formed the decision matrix. Combination weights were derived by combining the AHP method (subjective) with the entropy weight method (objective), resulting in a weighted decision matrix. Finally, the distance between each park and the ideal aging-friendly state is calculated, followed by the relative proximity, resulting in an aging-friendly comprehensive score. Parks with higher relative proximity have better aging-friendly levels.

The composite weights determine the relative importance of each indicator in influencing the age-friendly of community parks. The composite weights obtained in this study are more comprehensive and accurate compared to those derived from single subjective or objective perspectives. The results indicate that path accessibility (B12) is the most critical factor affecting satisfaction with the age-friendly of community parks, followed by ageing of leisure facilities (B34), social space design (B51), cultural, educational and recreational functions (B41), and physical environment security (B21).

First, path accessibility holds the highest weight, indicating that for older adults with reduced mobility, the continuity and barrier-free design of internal park pathways, along with clear wayfinding signage, are prerequisites for entering and using the park. This finding aligns with existing studies emphasizing that “walkability is the primary factor influencing older adults’ choice of parks,” further confirming the fundamental role of accessibility in aging societies (23, 51). Second, the importance of ageing of leisure facilities underscores the core needs of older adults in community parks—namely, rest and social interaction—which is consistent with previous research (15, 52). Numerous empirical studies have shown that well-distributed seating, sunshades, and chairs with backrests not only meet older adults’ physical recovery needs but also facilitate informal social interactions, thereby enhancing their well-being and sense of belonging (53). Third, the high weight of social space design indicates that emotional support and social interaction are indispensable components of older adults’ daily lives and represent core functions that community parks should provide. Rapid urbanization in China, characterized by large-scale population migration and the spatial separation of work and residence, has resulted in many ‘empty-nest’ older adults, who face substantial risks to their physical and mental health (54–56). In this context, thoughtfully designed social spaces can significantly enhance social interactions for these individuals, reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation (43). For example, the provision of seating, pavilions, sunshades, and chess rooms offers platforms for social engagement and high-quality social interaction environments, markedly improving older adults’ well-being. Fourth, the cultural, educational and recreational functions occupies a significant position in the indicator system, reflecting older adults’ strong sense of competence and autonomy. Cultural learning activities and physical exercise serve as means for older adults to psychologically counteract physical aging, enabling them to experience a sense of control over their bodies (57, 58). Such activities often require a certain duration and possess engaging qualities, helping to fill older adults’ extended leisure time and making these venues particularly important. Finally, physical environmental safety (B21) is critical, as older adults with limited mobility are prone to falls due to uneven surfaces or insufficient anti-slip measures, posing serious health risks. A safe physical environment provides older adults with psychological comfort and pleasure (59).

Additionally, we found that the weights of intelligent service facilities (B44) and seasonal adaptation services (B43) were relatively low. The lower weight of smart service facilities is primarily due to older adults’ limited acceptance of new technologies and their preference for familiar routines; moreover, the learning cost associated with operating such facilities is often high, resulting in reduced attention from older adults (60). The relatively low weight of seasonal adaptation services can be attributed to the difficulty of implementing substantial seasonal adaptations in outdoor community park spaces, as well as older adults’ tendency to adjust their activities according to seasonal changes (61). Interestingly, contrary to the findings of Gough et al. (10) and Winstead et al. (62), we also observed a relatively low weight for community activities organization (B52). Unlike Western contexts, where community mutual aid organizations are common, activities among older adults in Chinese communities are largely spontaneous, with minimal formal organization or intervention. Additionally, community-organized activities often entail financial costs and diverse preferences, making them less acceptable to older adults in China (63–65).

In summary, this study reveals that older adults’ core needs in the use of community parks are concentrated in four key aspects: accessibility, recreation, social interaction, and safety, providing a clear hierarchy of priorities for future age-friendly design.

Based on the composite age-friendly scores of the three case study parks, Wanshou Park performed the best, whereas Shuangxiu Park and Nanguan Park showed relatively lower performance. Wanshou Park’s superior performance can be attributed to the clarity of its pathway system, the completeness of its recreational facilities, and the diversity of its social spaces, which provided a competitive advantage on the highest-weighted indicators. Nanguan Park excelled in smart facilities and cultural-educational functions—for example, the provision of digital guide screens and cultural exhibition areas enhanced educational and interactive experiences—but fell short on core indicators such as path accessibility and the quantity of recreational facilities, preventing it from achieving the top overall rating. Although Shuangxiu Park had a relatively well-maintained green environment, it lacked systematic age-friendly design; insufficient coverage of barrier-free pathways, uneven distribution of recreational facilities, and limited types of fitness equipment constrained older adults’ experiences, resulting in the lowest overall age-friendly score.

Based on these findings, the design of age-friendly community parks should prioritize several key aspects. First, site selection for the newly established community parks should emphasize connectivity with surrounding residential areas, as this directly affects older adults’ usage rates and satisfaction. For existing parks such as Shuangxiu Park and Nanguan Park, renovations should first focus on improving the pathway system. Although enhancing spatial accessibility may be constrained by the park’s location, internal circulation should be clarified. Continuous, gently sloped barrier-free paths should be added, along with tactile pavements, handrails, and wayfinding signage to ensure safe and convenient access to all functional areas. Clear navigation networks between entrances and core facilities should also be established to reduce the risk of disorientation or fatigue among older adults. Second, recreational facilities should be optimized in both quantity and layout. Seats with backrests, benches with armrests, and shaded shelters should be increased, and “rest nodes” should be provided along long pathways to create a rhythmic ‘move–rest–move’ spatial experience. Third, for social functions, multi-level social spaces should be created. Large plazas can accommodate group activities, while semi-enclosed pavilions or platforms facilitate smaller-scale interactions. Diverse social spaces can accommodate a wider range of social activities, thereby enhancing the vitality of the space. Fourth, fitness services should be tailored to the physical differences of older adults. Common light exercise equipment should be retained, while additional facilities for balance training, rehabilitation, and flexibility exercises should be provided to meet the diverse needs of older adults with varying health conditions.

Therefore, optimizing the age-friendly of community parks not only involves improving internal park facilities but should also be guided by the actual needs of older adults. By implementing systematic and differentiated design strategies, the overall quality of the space can be enhanced, thereby advancing the sustainable development of age-friendly community environments.

This study has several limitations and uncertainties. Although evaluating the age-friendliness of community parks in the core area of Beijing provides a certain degree of representativeness, the number of parks included is limited, and the generalizability of the findings requires further validation in other cities and regions. Future research could expand the number of questionnaires to obtain more stable and robust survey data. Furthermore, while the construction of the indicator system through field surveys, literature review, expert screening, and statistical validation is widely recognized, potential limitations remain, including subjectivity in indicator selection and the possible omission of relevant indicator dimensions.

This study applied the AHP–Entropy Weight–TOPSIS evaluation method, integrating both subjective and objective dimensions to construct an evaluation indicator system for assessing the age-friendliness of community parks in the core area of Beijing. The findings provide theoretical guidance and methodological reference for the design, assessment, management, and optimization of age-friendly community parks. However, despite the use of the Entropy Weight Method and a large sample of questionnaire data to objectively reflect the conditions of community park environments, limitations related to objectivity may still exist. Therefore, future research could develop quantitative evaluation indicators based on the objective environmental characteristics of community parks, enabling direct assessment through field surveys. Additionally, combining objective field assessment data with users’ subjective evaluations could further elucidate the mechanisms influencing the age-friendliness of community parks.