[Article] How age-friendly public spaces support independence and connection

Public spaces greatly affect our everyday lives. Sidewalks, parks, green spaces, and other shared areas allow us to exercise, meet others, participate in communities, and complete errands that sustain our everyday needs. However, public spaces are not always designed with older adults in mind.

High curbs, steep or uneven sidewalks, poor drainage, unclear signage, or lack of resting areas are just some of the ways public areas may not support older adults. While these may appear at first glance to be minor inconveniences, for some older adults, it can determine whether an outing feels manageable, exhausting, or even unsafe. As barriers accumulate, options for where older adults can go, what they do, and who they see become limited.

Age-friendly public spaces can help older adults maintain autonomy, participate in meaningful activities, and stay socially connected.

What the research tells us

An evidence synthesis published in 2024 examined research from 44 studies from 38 countries on the relationship between public spaces and quality of life among older adults.

It identified five dimensions of quality of life that should be considered when designing public spaces:

• autonomy
• meaningful activities
• positive social relationships
• leisure opportunities
• health.

The five dimensions are closely interrelated. Someone capable of walking to a park, but an inaccessible route or lack of resting place along the way may prevent them from making the trip. Not only does this reduce their physical activity, but also opportunities to participate in community activities, meet friends, or spend time around others.

Environmental barriers identified such as high curbs, steep sidewalks, poor drainage, limited places to rest, and poor signage can make it harder for older adults to move safely and confidently through communities, ultimately restricting their control over daily activities.

On the other hand, public environments can also create opportunities. Accessible green spaces offer places to connect with others, and barrier-free routes make it easier to participate in leisure activities and be physically active. However, the authors note that more needs to be understood about which design features matter most, and for which communities and cultures.¹

What makes a public space age-friendly?

Age-friendly public spaces should support the entire journey, not just the destination. Parks or community spaces accessible once inside but otherwise difficult to arrive at due to unsafe crossings, uneven sidewalks, steep slopes, or lack of resting areas do not support the needs of many older adults.

Age friendly spaces should include:

•  safe, well-maintained routes connecting homes, transportation services, and community spaces
• accessible crossings, curbs, slopes, and surfaces to accommodate all mobility needs
• seating and resting places at reasonable intervals
• clear signage that does not completely rely on digital technology
• diverse opportunities to walk, exercise, enjoy greenspaces, and connect with others.

How older adults and caregivers can help shape public spaces

Ultimately, governments, planners, transportation providers, and community organizations are responsible for creating inclusive age-friendly environments. However, older adults and caregivers can help by identifying barriers and practical needs that can be missed. This can include:

• Describing the whole route when reporting a problem, so that planners can identify what is working and what is not along the full journey
• Describing in practical terms the effect barriers have, whether preventing you from reaching a service or from participating in an activity
• Participating in local consultations, so that municipal planning processes, neighbourhood associations, and age-friendly community initiatives and use your input to propose change
• Inviting decision-makers to travel the route with you, as experiencing the route can reveal barriers that are not obviously identifiable on a map.

Communities should evaluate public spaces in more depth than simply asking whether people can enter them or whether the space itself is usable. They should ask whether older adults can reach, use, and fully enjoy these spaces with confidence and dignity.

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Featured Resources

• Evidence Summary: Neighbourhood characteristics influence community participation among older adults
• Evidence Summary: Community characteristics can influence the capacity of older adults to achieve wellness
• Evidence Summary: Building a better world for all
• Blog Post: Age-friendly communities: Designing accessible, inclusive and safe communities