Sense of belonging and attachment in urban green spaces: A qualitative study of older adults in Isfahan, Iran

This study evaluates the place attachments of older adults in Hasht Behesht Park, Isfahan, using a qualitative approach and Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 19 participants aged 65–93. The research reveals that place attachment is a multifaceted phenomenon encompassing place identity, place dependence, nature bonding, and social bonding. Findings show that attachment is shaped not simply by duration of residence or physical access but also by embodied routines, sensory familiarity, and intergenerational memory embedded in the park’s evolving landscape. Ancient trees and heritage elements emerge as emotional and cultural anchors, fostering a sense…