Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
The Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban planning and design, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran.
2
Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shiraz University
Abstract
The article explains the concept of aging in place, which refers to the ability of older adults to remain in their homes and familiar neighborhoods. This approach is based on the idea that by maintaining social interactions and physical activities, older adults can continue living in familiar environments where their physical, social, and psychological needs are met. The article examines the impact of the growing elderly population globally, and particularly in Iran. According to global statistics, the elderly population will increase significantly in the coming decades, highlighting the need for new policies and urban planning in areas such as infrastructure and services. Many elderly individuals, especially, face challenges such as access to healthcare services and the need for housing adaptation.
Using data retrieved from the Scopus database, refined and modeled in VOSviewer software, it was found that in developed countries, aging in place has been introduced as one of the main solutions to address these challenges. This approach emphasizes the importance of social participation for the elderly, the creation of safe environments, and easy access to services. Elder-friendly urban environments not only help improve their quality of life but also prevent isolation and psychological problems. The article also discusses the challenges faced by developing countries, including Iran, and underscores the importance of increasing attention to this issue in urban and social policies. Research in this area shows that leading countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have produced the most studies and articles on aging in place, while other countries, like Iran, have paid less attention to this subject. Overall, the concept of aging in place, with an emphasis on the physical environment, social connections, and active participation of the elderly in society, has been proposed as a sustainable solution to improving the quality of life for the elderly.
Highlights
- The rapid growth of the elderly population in Iran emphasizes the need for a comprehensive overhaul of urban and social infrastructure to address their specific needs.
- The concept of aging in place is built on three key pillars: the physical environment, social interaction, and physical and mental health, all of which are essential for enhancing the elderly’s quality of life.
- Designing urban environments with a focus on safety and accessibility helps preserve the independence of older adults and facilitates their daily lives.
- Developing social spaces and fostering opportunities for collective interactions prevent social isolation among the elderly and strengthen their sense of belonging to the community.
- Prioritizing the needs of the elderly in urban planning not only enhances their quality of life but also contributes to broader social sustainability.
Keywords
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