Combining the Digital, Social and Physical Layer to Create Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

Sonja Pedell,Alen Keirnan,Nicole Aimers,Ann Borda

doi:10.3390/ijerph18010325

Abstract

This qualitative investigation makes suggestions about creating age-friendly cities for older adults focusing on three domains of the World Health Organization (WHO) age-friendly city framework namely “Communication and Information”, “Outdoor Spaces and Buildings” and “Social Participation”. The authors present two case studies, the first one focusing on older adults using activity wearables for health self-management in the neighborhood, and the second one focusing on older adults engaged in social prescribing activities in the community. The authors then reflect on the relationships of the domains and future opportunities for age-friendly cities. These case studies apply a co-design and citizen-based approach focusing within these larger frameworks on emotions, values and motivational goals of older adults. Results suggest how the convergence of the often siloed age-friendly city components based on older adults’ goals and input can lead to better social participation and longer-term health outcomes. The authors propose that the digital, physical and social aspects need to be considered in all domains of age-friendly cities to achieve benefits for older adults. Further work involving older adults in the future shaping of age-friendly neighborhoods and cities, and identifying barriers and opportunities is required.

Highlights

Physical activity is key for active and healthy ageing, but the main barriers, such as lack of information about appropriate activities or about the environment, prevent older adults from pursuing these activities in a comfortable and safe manner
We propose that access to physical activities through the support of environmental and community infrastructure and digital information is important for older adults to remain independently active as long as possible with opportunities for social participation
We investigate age-friendly cities for active ageing through the lens of two case studies studies using qualitative research methods—the first one using activity wearables in the using qualitative research methods—the first one using activity wearables in the neighneighbourhood and the second one focusing on social prescribing in the community

Summary

Introduction

Physical activity is key for active and healthy ageing, but the main barriers, such as lack of information about appropriate activities or about the environment, prevent older adults from pursuing these activities in a comfortable and safe manner. We propose that access to physical activities through the support of environmental and community infrastructure and digital information is important for older adults to remain independently active as long as possible with opportunities for social participation. Our work looks at active ageing determinants—social and health determinants and their relationship to the physical environment connected through digital technology. We see social participation within a broad context in that actively engaging in the city environment and community spaces can facilitate social encounters and support the choice to socialize

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion