SUBMITTED TO
Dr. Kazi Saiful Islam
CONCEPT
Professor
Urban and Rural Planning
Khulna University
NOTE: AGE-
SUBMITTED BY
170451
FRIENDLY CITIES
URP 2222: Urban Analysis Techniques (Field Work &
Studio)
Key Note Outline
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Age-friendly City Redefined .................................................................................................................... 1
Paradigm Shift to Age-Friendly Cities.................................................................................................... 2
Key Dimensions of Age-Friendly Cities ................................................................................................... 2
Purpose of Age-friendy City .................................................................................................................... 3
Steps Towards An Age-friendly City ...................................................................................................... 3
Case Studies ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Adapting Age-Friendly Cities to Bangladesh Context ........................................................................ 4
Recommendations ....................................................................................................................................... 5
References.................................................................................................................................................... 6
Pa ge | 1
Abstract
This concept note highlights key strategic initiatives and guiding principles for the development
of age-friendly cities to support a significant escalation in demand worldwide due to an aging
global population. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that with 60+ being the
fastest growing demographic and projections showing one- sixth of total population world-wide
over age 60 by mid-century, age-friendly cities need to be multimodal-outdoor spaces plus
transportation; housing options from in-place adaptation through follow-on into congregate
living opportunities-foster social participation-plus supporting respect and inclusion strategies-
alongside civic engagement which is everyone's responsibility, so will they must improve
communication systems as well health services. The addendum highlights the need to design
urban spaces that encourage older adults towards active aging and social integration in order
for them to live independently. Drawing from successful case studies in Copenhagen, Melbourne
and Toronto underway to cater for the aging populations of Bangladesh where needs
improvement suffice both infrastructure as well social support. The note concludes with
recommendations for comprehensive urban planning, resource allocation, community awareness,
and technology integration to create inclusive cities that foster well-being, independence, and
social cohesion for older adults.
Age-friendly City Redefined
Worldwide, urban areas face both challenges and opportunities when it comes to a rapidly-
aging global population. Expected to make up one-sixth among the population of 60 and older
by 2030 (World Health Organization,2021). Given the concentration of older adults living in
cities, it is necessary to improve conditions for participation and quality of life among them by
adapting urban environments so that they are age-friendly. The wind that is taking place in the
senior population requires addressing
physical needs and social determinants
which are brought under one roof to
enable seniors to age actively through
engagement, health care facilities
delivery so-called endemic services
depending on their degree of sickness
amongst other factors but at the level
where basic amenities such as shelter
must meet minimum standards for them An age-friendly city is designed to su ort acti e aging by en ancing ealt
all called thematic area among various engage ent and safety for older adults Suc cities address bot
as ects to enable seniors to lead enric ing li es it in t eir co
ysical and social
unities
interventions (WHO 2007). - O
Using this as an entry point, the concept note explores how such cities are built and their
ramifications; why it is necessary to support elderly residents; among other topics including
making urban spaces inclusive.
Pa ge |
Paradig S ift to Age-Friendly Cities
Given that global demographics are changing with people living longer, demand for creating
cities responsive to the unique social and economic needs of an aging population is now a
material obligation in every city around the world. The transition to age-friendly cities
represents a profound change in the practice of urban planning, social policy and community
development. In the past, cities have been concepts whose origins centred on working-age
adults: economic drivers who conveyed rapid growth and urban developments. Yet the growing
share of population over 60 means creating a new equation: one that benefits health and
accessibility, integral socialization opportunities & total active ageing processes for seniors.
Age-friendly cities, promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), reimagine urban
settings so that wheelchairs vans and other transportation options provide independence for an
older driver.
Key Di ensions of Age-Friendly Cities
The WHO has identified eight essential dimensions that contribute to age-friendly environments:
1 Outdoor S aces and Buildings: This involves designing safe and accessible outdoor
areas such as well-maintained sidewalks, parks, and recreational spaces, focusing on
ease of mobility and usability for older adults.
Trans ortation: Reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation is crucial for
seniors, facilitating independence and enabling them to reach essential services.
3 ousing: Diverse and affordable housing options should be available and adaptable
to meet the changing needs of older adults, supporting the ability to age in place within
their communities.
4 Social Partici ation: Providing opportunities for seniors to engage in cultural,
recreational, and social activities is important for mental health and reducing isolation.
5 Res ect and Social Inclusion: Fostering respect and inclusion of older adults in all
community aspects enhances societal dynamics and promotes dignity.
6 Ci ic Partici ation and E loy ent: Encouraging older adults to participate in civic
activities and offering employment opportunities help them maintain a sense of purpose
and reduce isolation.
Co unications and Infor ation: Ensuring that communication channels and
information about services and community events are accessible to older adults is
essential for their engagement and informed participation.
Page |3
8 Co unity Su ort and ealt Ser ices: Accessible health and social services tailored
to the needs of older adults are critical for their well-being and independence.
Pur ose of Age-friendy City
Cities that are good for old people can make their lives way better. They do this by helping
them stay healthy, do things on their own and be part of stuff. These big projects don't just make
life better but also save money on healthcare by keeping people from getting sick & making it
easier to get the help they need.
Enhancing Quality of
Life
Fostering Community
Integration
Economic Implications
Cities that are good for old people bring different ages together and get old people involved
in the community. Making places that include everyone strengthens community bonds. It also
makes sure old people are seen as important members of society.
Spending money on things and services that work for old people pays off in the long run. By
keeping old people active and involved, cities can take some pressure off healthcare & social
services. This saves a ton of money.
Ste s To ards An Age-friendly City
Age friendly cities cannot be built without adopting a comprehensive approach which involves
urban planners, policy makers and community stakeholders.
1 Stake older Engage ent: Bringing in the elders during the preparation phase makes
sure their requirements get proper attention. Routine discussions questionnaires, & small
group meetings can offer useful insights that might seem puzzling at first glance.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering demographic information on the baseline, or
current situation helps to identify areas for improvement.
3 Partners i De elo ent: Implementing strategies is more effective with the help of
public health agencies, non-profit organizations and community groups.
4 Pilot Progra s: Small scale pilot programs test out certain initiatives before they are
scaled.
5 Monitoring and E aluation: Providing guidelines to create performance measures for
monitoring the outcomes of age-friendly initiatives, along with opportunities for
enhancment and adjusting.
Page |4
Case Studies
Co en agen Den ark
What distinguishes the city of Copenhagen during the study period are, in particular,
the age-friendly policies and the active participation by older citizens in the urban life
of the city including the accessibility of transportation. Elements such as well-planned low
traffic areas and open areas for the public also promote the social activities of elderly
residents in the city. (Senior City, 2019)
Melbourne Australia
Another positive pattern is the one offered by the “Age Friendly Melbourne” strategy
tailored by the city of Melbourne. This framework encompasses policies around social
inclusion, especially concerning older adults where they are also involved in decision
making processes as well. (Melbourne City Counil, 2018)
Toronto Canada
Most of this complex strategy is aimed at achieving the goals of active aging and is
entitled the “Seniors Strategy”. It seeks to enhance or to allow the development of
effective infrastructure in housing, civic engagement, and community spaces successfully
establishing a setting that appreciates the role of elderly people. (City of Toronto, 2018)
Ada ting Age-Friendly Cities to Banglades Context
As Bangladesh's old age population grows, the idea of age-friendly cities can be effectively
utilized. Here’s how the core aspects of age-friendly cities can be applied in Bangladesh:
1 Outdoor S aces and Buildings
Current Challenges: Overpopulation, dilapidated footpaths, and poorly designed and
unprotected public places are problems faced by cities such as Dhaka.
Solution: Parks that are simple to access and walking paths that are safer would be beneficial
to help the seniors remain active and socially engaged.
Trans ortation
Current Challenges: Public transport systems are available. However, older people can find them
arduous and strenuous to operate.
Solution: Enhancing the comfort of their movements by providing dedicated services to elderly
people such as priority seating and affordable transport for seniors.
3 ousing
Current Challenges: Owing to rapid globalisation, many urban areas are lacking appropriate,
relatively inexpensive accommodation appropriate for elderly people.
Solution: Policies that facilitate the establishment of the elderly housing programs that include
one storey house construction to assisted living to remain in the locality.
4 Social Partici ation
Current Challenges: Cultural traditions may result in older people, women in particular, being cut
out from social interactions.
Page |5
Solution: Building community centers that can organize events and physical activities for the
seniors can increase social engagement and reduce erosion of social connections.
5 Res ect and Social Inclusion
Current Challenges: Older adults may experience discrimination or marginalization.
Solution: Expanding the scope of intergenerational activities and fostering respect for the elderly
through initiatives can change genus views and promote inclusiveness.
6 Ci ic Partici ation and E loy ent
Current Challenges: Civic engagement and even employment is effectively unavailable to older
people.
Solution: Policies that promote volunteering activities or provide opportunities that value older
people abilities can enhance their engagement levels.
Co unication and Infor ation
Current Challenges: Availability of technologies may limit the ability of the elderly to obtain
important information in the appropriate time.
Solution: Implement good communication strategy focused on clear and easy to use interfaces to
enhance the access of information by the older population.
8 Co unity Su ort and ealt Ser ices
Current Challenges: Health services are often limited, with inadequate age-specific healthcare
options.
Solution: Strengthening healthcare services for the elderly, including geriatric care and
community health programs, can greatly enhance their quality of life.
Reco endations
The processes of urban planning should acknowledge how age-friendly settings extend across
the built environment in order to foster an inclusive space in the community and/or built
environment. The mobilization of local governments, however, is also important because
investments in age-friendly initiatives should lead to an improved standard of living for older
people. Moreover, awareness campaigns aimed at changing the views of the general public in
the community concerning older people should be addressed as these campaigns target
eliminating some myths and recognizing the potential of older people and thus respect them
more. Moreover, primary focus should be on these technological developments and cities should
be active in implementing such programs and tools that enable easy interaction and access to
information for the elderly, including the training of basic skills. Finally, policy advocacy in the
context of social transformation is of utmost importance: putting forward policies that enhance
ageing in place and that encourage the embedding of age-friendly principles provide the
longevity aspect that its communities need.
Page |6
References
1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2007). Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide.
Retrieved from [WHO.org](https://www.who.int)
2. WHO. (2021). *Ageing and Health*. Retrieved from
[WHO.org](https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-
health)
3. Senior City. (2019). Copenhagen: A Model for Age-Friendly Urban Design. Retrieved
from [SeniorCity.com](https://www.seniorcity.com)
4. Melbourne City Council. (2018). Age-Friendly Melbourne Framework. Retrieved from
[Melbourne.vic.gov.au](https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)
5. City of Toronto. (2018). Toronto Seniors Strategy. Retrieved from
[Toronto.ca](https://www.toronto.ca)
6. McCaffrey, R., Papadopoulos, T., & Peddle, A. (2020). Engaging Older Adults in Urban
Planning: Guidelines for Policy and Practice. Journal of Urban Policy, 12(3), 45-67.
7. Steinfeld, E., & Maisel, J. (2012). Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments.
Wiley.
