Aging in the urban context

Phillipson, Chris; Doran, Patty; Yarker, Sophie; Buffel, Tine

Abstract

Population aging is taking place across all countries of the world, raising major issues for the future direction of public policy. By 2050, one in six people in the world will be 65 and over (16 percent), up from one in 11 in 2019 (9 percent). Of equal importance is the continuing spread of urbanization, with 56 percent of the world’s population now living in urban environments. Urban living creates many advantages for older people; equally, cities may produce feelings of insecurity arising from the impact of urban regeneration, spatial inequalities, and environmental problems such as high levels of pollution. This chapter examines the relationship between aging and urbanization by first examining the characteristics of urban change and the policy of aging in place; second, the development of what has been termed ‘age-friendly’ cities; third, the challenges associated with urban aging and implementing age-friendly perspectives; and, finally, the basis for a new policy agenda for urban aging.

• Publication Date: Apr 18, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 18, 2025
• Pages: 259-276
• Series Title: Handbook on Aging and Place
• ISBN: 9781802209983
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781802209983.00025