Cross-sectional association of residential greenness exposure with activities of daily living disability among urban elderly in Shanghai

•Higher residential greenness exposure was associated with lower risk of BADL disability.•A non-linear association was observed between NDVI values and BADL disability.•A stronger protective effect of NDVI for BADL disability was observed in men elderly.•A stronger protective effect of NDVI for BADL disability was observed among respondents living in somewhat walkable area.