Promoting 'Age-Friendly' Cities : Assessing Elderly Perceptions of Public Spaces

Sammanfattning: Understanding the features of urban public spaces that attract or exclude elderly residents is becoming an increasingly pressing concern in cities across the world. The present study is underpinned by the aim to uncover the desires, needs, values, uses and aspirations of elderly residents in public spaces across Stockholm. Using the concept of ‘Age-Friendly Cities’, this research examines the links between these specific elements and broader feeling of belonging or wellbeing that can arise from access to inclusive public spaces. Participants from two contrasting neighbourhoods were recruited to partake in a mental mapping and photo elicitation study of their surrounding areas. These visual materials were used to assess the age-friendliness of the two areas. Findings were analysed according to three themes: outdoor green spaces, transport infrastructure and urban development and growth. These themes were used to inform a discussion around what constitutes age-(un)friendliness. Flexible, inclusive, open, accessible places sensitive to local histories were found to be preferred. The design of transport infrastructure, such as roads and metro stations, were identified as features that contribute to discomfort in public spaces. These concerns were further exacerbated and amplified by concerns at the rapid growth of the city. Age-unfriendliness was therefore characterised by issues such as exclusion from access to new developments and a loss of identity, quality of life, resources and local character.