Age-friendly cities enhancing ageing: accelerating digital inclusion for India’s elderly

Abstract

Purpose This exploration begins with understanding the concept of age-friendly cities and communities as guided by the World Health Organisation. The purpose of this study is to assesses the potential of the concept of age-friendly cities and how these initiatives are driven by commitments to create an environment that promotes active ageing, leveraging digital tools and technologies to enhance connectivity, accessibility and overall well-being of the older. Design/methodology/approach The viewpoint discussed the diverse ways in which the unique concept of age-friendly cities or living areas can be explored in India. Such concepts will create a more inclusive society for the older people around us. Findings The viewpoint highlighted a few global cases of age-friendly cities. It emphasised their innovative approaches, lessons learned, best practices and challenges. These real-time examples inspire, showing us the potential and success of such initiatives. They also help us understand the areas we must work on to create such environments for our older people. The chapter also evaluates the initiatives and projects undertaken in India so far to enhance the living experience of the older, integrating digital technologies. By analysing India’s journey towards age-friendly initiatives, the discussion provides detailed insights for policymakers and other societal stakeholders to broaden the development framework that holistically incorporates the ageing population’s needs. Originality/value The concept of age-friendly cities in India is not just a new approach but a crucial one in the near future. Owing to the existing diversity in our country, this discussion presented in this viewpoint will help to emphasise the need to create separate policies and implement the same at various levels. Ageing is inevitable, and this study’s reflections will also allow families and society to prioritise the needs of older adults in their families and around them. This work will also create an opportunity for all society’s stakeholders to look at older adults’ needs differently and more practically, underlining the urgency and importance of this issue.