Determination of Important Park Features that Encourage Physical Activity and Social Interaction of Park Usage Purposes of Elderly Individuals: Ihlamur Park Example

Authors

Abstract

Parks and public open green spaces are open spaces for all segments of the society. These places, which are important recreation areas, enable the elderly to renew themselves, to breathe a little in the open air, to be alone with nature even in the city. These opportunities provided by parks are utilised by elderly users. Today, the population of elderly individuals is increasing day by day due to the slowdown in population growth rate. In this study, it is aimed to determine the park usage purposes of the elderly and important park features that encourage physical activity and social interaction. Within the scope of the research, 96 elderly individuals were interviewed with 96 elderly individuals within the scope of face-to-face survey study by going to the park at random times on weekdays and weekends on a voluntary basis by using the questionnaire form prepared for revealing the user profile of individuals aged 40 and over in Ihlamur Park in Selçuklu District, determining the preference times of the park, determining the duration and times of park use, determining the reasons for park preference and selection, and evaluating park user satisfaction and expectations. The findings showed that parks are an important social space for elderly people and therefore require careful planning and implementation in the design, management and use of parks. With the landscape designs to be made in line with the findings, it will be possible for elderly individuals to benefit more from the parks and have a more enjoyable time.

Author Biography

Sertaç Güngör, Selçuk University

Sertaç GÜNGÖR was born in Ankara in 1970. He completed his primary, secondary and high school education in Ankara. In 1988, he entered Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Landscape Architecture. In June 1992, he graduated with the title of Landscape Architect. In 1996, he successfully completed his master's degree and in 2003 his doctorate degree. Between 1992-1995, he worked as a project manager, application and revision (renovation) construction site supervisor for various private and state organizations. In 1995, he started to work as a research assistant at Konya Selçuk University, Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Landscape Architecture. With the relevant YÖK law, he worked as a Research Assistant in Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Landscape Architecture between 2000-2003. Between 2004-2018, he worked as a Faculty Member at Selçuk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Landscape Architecture. On June 11, 2018, he received the title of Associate Professor. He is married and has a daughter named Ecem. He worked for 1 year as the Deputy Director of Selçuk University Applied Mathematics Research Center and 9 years as the Deputy Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture. He is Technical Editor of 3 international journals. He is a member of the Asian Council of Science Editors. Since 2020, he has been the Vice Dean of Selçuk University Faculty of Architecture and Design. On September 1, 2023, he received the title of Professor. ÜDS English Score: 71.25.

Published

22-10-2024

How to Cite

Güngör, S. (2024). Determination of Important Park Features that Encourage Physical Activity and Social Interaction of Park Usage Purposes of Elderly Individuals: Ihlamur Park Example. 7th International Anatolian Agriculture, Food, Environment and Biology Congress, Kastamonu/Türkiye, 86–86. from http://targid.org/index.php/TURSTEP/article/view/361