The Republic of Korea has the highest suicide rate of older population among OECD countries, and depression is the prevailing factor. While it is well-known that the urban physical environment affects mental health, research on the physical characteristics of spaces remains limited. This study aims to explore relationship-oriented space characteristics that can form social networks and reduce depressive symptoms in older adults. After analyzing the differences in social interaction spaces between high-density and low-density areas for older adults in Seoul, we identified social interaction spaces (parks and traditional markets) that are frequently used based on on-site interview results. Two areas were selected for the questionnaire surveys. The main findings revealed that older adults living in areas with diverse spatial planning and close physical relationships between parks and traditional markets, convenient pedestrian environments, and lower population density of older adults had better social networks and lower depressive symptoms. More significantly, the physical characteristics of parks and traditional markets (convenient accessibility, maximized visibility, connectivity, and territoriality) significantly facilitate social interactions. Those engaging in social interactions within these spaces exhibited significantly better social networks and lower depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of considering relationship-oriented space characteristics in spatial and urban planning.

中文翻译：

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探索社交网络的关系导向空间和老年人的抑郁症状

韩国是经合组织国家中老年人自杀率最高的国家，而抑郁症是主导因素。众所周知，城市物理环境影响心理健康，但对空间物理特征的研究仍然有限。本研究旨在探索以关系为导向的空间特征，这些特征可以形成社交网络并减少老年人的抑郁症状。在分析了首尔老年人高密度和低密度区域社交互动空间的差异后，我们根据现场采访结果确定了最常使用的社交空间（公园和传统市场）。选择了两个地区进行问卷调查。主要发现显示，居住在空间规划多样化、公园和传统市场物理关系密切、步行环境便利、老年人人口密度较低的地区的老年人拥有更好的社交网络和较低的抑郁症状。更重要的是，公园和传统市场的物理特征（便利的可达性、最大化的可见性、连通性和地域性）极大地促进了社会互动。那些在这些空间内参与社交互动的人表现出明显更好的社交网络和较低的抑郁症状。这些发现强调了在空间和城市规划中考虑关系导向的空间特征的重要性。