Aging cities: Assessing the Urban Impact on the Active Mobility of the Elderly Population

Abstract

In a climate of an accelerated aging population and urban densification, with a related increase in the amount of gray infrastructure, this study investigates the relationship between urban design, road safety and the walking mobility of the elderly. The growing elderly population is a global reality, with an ever-larger number of older people living in urban centers. The lack of planning in cities reveals significant challenges for safer and more inclusive urban design, especially regarding accessibility and walking mobility for the elderly in their trips and access to public spaces. Safe and comfortable transportation for the elderly is essential to ensure that they can continue to experience the city life while maintaining their autonomy and well-being. However, the high number of falls in the urban environment and the high rate of pedestrians being involved in accidents with motor vehicles, in which 36% of traffic accidents are fatal among elderly pedestrians suggests a correlation that limits their use and appropriation of the city's public spaces. This scenario has significant implications for the senior citizens and is associated with frailty, dependency, institutionalization and mortality. With this perspective in mind, it is essential to discuss the issue in view of its effects on the social, political and public health spheres, since it has a direct influence on safety preventing the risk of falls and traffic accidents, leading to consequences in terms of quality of life, mobility, well-being and social inclusion. In this context, urban design has an important role to play in designing safe, accessible and welcoming environments that encourage walking and the use of public spaces in the city, as well as active participation of the elderly population in society. This research aims to analyze the contribution of urban design to road safety for elderly pedestrians in their journeys and access to public open spaces. Method The research is part of a dissertation study in which part of the methodological approach designed will be used as procedures: bibliographical and documentary research for theoretical basis, and evaluations of public space based on criteria previously drawn up from manuals and guides found and analyzed in the bibliographical review stage. Results and Discussion After an analysis of the main access routes to Bom Pastor Square shows that there are considerable limitations when it comes to the safety of elderly pedestrians. These routes lack adequate infrastructure to provide a comfortable walk, facing a series of obstacles that significantly impair the walker's experience. In addition, there is a clear prioritization of car lanes, without sufficient efforts to reduce vehicle speeds, which directly compromises pedestrian safety