Natural landscape and healthy ageing in place: the case of the Cumbres de Monterrery National Park in Mexico

The research analyzes the factors of daily natural landscape that support healthy aging in place and the quality of life of elderly residents in the limits of the National Park “Cumbres” of Monterrey (México). The methodology involved the use of methods such photovoice and mental maps applied to discussion groups of elderly, surveys and Geographic Information Systems. The results indicate that exposure to natural landscape features such as trees and flowers, contributes to healthy aging in place, favoring quotidian activities such as leisure and social relations, improve the perception of health and reduce the need for aid. It also shows that the daily natural landscape as a symbolic element of the environmental identity, is associated with the presence of memories and experiences of the park, visit frequency, degree of conservation of native vegetation, proximity to the park, practicing leisure and social relations. Also, the study confirms the importance of the implications of natural landscapes in the quality of life of the population, especially the elderly, for their therapeutic and symbolic benefits. In addition, it aims to boost this line research and generate sustainable quality of life policies to encourage the development and protection of natural landscapes in the region.