Paper long abstract:

This presentation will focus on outlining both the case for 'age-friendly communities' and the strategies which need to be adopted to promote strong ties within neighbourhoods. The paper will situate this debate within the context of the World Health Organisation's global network of age-friendly cities, debates about building sustainable cities, as well as arguments about achieving social justice and fairness within urban environments. The paper will give particular emphasis to the challenges as well as the benefits of cities, given a context of population ageing alongside the rapid changes arising from globalisation and migration. The discussion will provide a summary of the case for age friendly cities; assess what is known from research examining the planning of urban space; and assess the benefits as well as the barriers to achieving strong connections within communities. The paper will conclude by outlining the basis of a strategy for securing age-friendly communities, linking theory and practice in urban policy and planning. The paper will give particular emphasis to interdisciplinary work on age-friendly issues, drawing on a variety of perspectives within the social sciences.