Developing Age-Friendly Cities: Case Studies From Brussels and Manchester and Implications for Policy and Practice
- 27 January 2014
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Aging & Social Policy
- Vol. 26 (1-2), 52-72
- https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2014.855043
Abstract
Developing environments responsive to the aspirations of older people has become a major concern for social and public policy. Policies and programs directed at achieving "age-friendly" communities are considered to require a wide range of interventions, including actions at the level of the social and physical environment. This article compares the age-friendly approaches of two European cities, Brussels and Manchester, with a particular focus on policies and initiatives that promote active aging in an urban context. The article examines, first, the demographic, social, and multicultural contexts of Brussels and Manchester; second, the way in which both cities became members of the World Health Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities; third, similarities and differences in the age-friendly approaches and actions adopted by both cities; and fourth, opportunities and barriers to the implementation of age-friendly policies. The article concludes by discussing the key elements and resources needed to develop age-friendly cities.Keywords
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