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The importance of adapting cities to older adults

Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 10:32 am
by rabia829
Older adults need help and encouragement to remain active members of their community as they age, so it's important that the places they live can provide them with a good quality of life.

According to the University of Southern California (USC) , within a decade, about 3 out of 5 people on the planet will live in cities, and that population is aging more than urban dwellers of the past. On top of that, older populations will double between now and the end of the century.

This demographic shift towards ageing ig phone number data societies has significant implications for the well-being of societies.

“Population aging will literally change everything,” said Paul Irving , a scholar at the USC School of Gerontology. “And cities are the front line in a rapidly changing country.”

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To counter rising ageism, the World Health Organization has been promoting age- friendly cities for nearly 15 years. Its framework includes these goals:

Equity
An accessible physical environment
An inclusive social environment
Cities around the world should begin working in this direction to recognize the diverse demands of living in cities, where most older adults live, particularly as we age.

USC proposes three ideas to accomplish this. First, urban housing and transportation methods must evolve for older adults. Second, older people must be assured that they can find jobs in cities. Finally, it proposes that what is good for older adults is good for communities at large.

Redesigning age-friendly communities can enable older adults to achieve the quality of life they desire directly.

By connecting infrastructure and citizen approaches, as well as recognising diversity and equity, social participation and inclusion of citizens regardless of their age can be achieved.

If the topic of gerontology and infrastructure design interests you, consider enrolling in the programs related to these topics sponsored by FUNIBER, such as the Master's Degree in Gerontology , Master's Degree in Health Services Quality Management , and Master's Degree in Integrated Management.

Sources:

University of Southern California News: “How can cities adapt to the needs of their aging populations?”

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development: “Aging in Cities”

World Economic Forum: “Here's how digital infrastructure can make cities more inclusive for elderly people”

World Health Organization: “The WHO Age-friendly Cities Framework”

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