Ageing-Friendly Neighbourhoods: A Study of Mobility and Out-of-Home Activity

Abstract

An ageing population and growing urbanisation have been two critical aspects of the twenty-first century. Ageing populations are facing acute challenges to liveability and functional independence in rapidly urbanising and globalising urban built and social environments. World Health Organization (WHO) encourages governments to create ‘age-friendly’ places to promote sustainable development and improve the health and well-being of older people. The satisfaction of the elderly in out-of-home environment is highly influenced by mobility, accessibility and availability of open spaces. Encouraging pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood environments and the availability of public open spaces are essential for elderly persons in performing activities of daily life (ADL) in out-of-home environments. With limited studies and research in ageing perspectives of social inclusiveness, mobility and health in relation to the built environment being evident in the context of India, the research paper aims to highlight the importance of age-friendly neighbourhoods within the Indian cities. The paper also highlights the various challenges to the independent mobility of ageing persons within their built environment of Indian cities.