Age-friendly urbanism: intertwining ‘ageing in place’ and ‘place in ageing’

Abstract

Urbanisation and population ageing are two critical trends identified in the New Urban Agenda. Understanding the relationship between environment-related experiences and well-being is conducive to achieving an age-friendly urbanism. We argue that place, as a location, a material form and an expression of value, is an essential component of this relationship. Physical and social environments shape socio-spatial experiences and hence one’s well-being, bearing significant implications for the current policy movement of ageing in place. Environment comprises contexts whereby older people develop sentimental and emotive links to the place they live. Such links give rise to residential satisfaction and place attachment, the psychological experiences that highlight the importance of place in ageing. The article calls for research and planning practices to shed light on policies concerning age-friendly urbanism.