Abstract:
The study is set in the context of a growing elderly population, where projections
indicate an increase in the elderly demographic. Elderly individuals face unique
challenges in adapting to modern urban interventions. Several obstacles hinder
elderly access, including safety concerns, transportation challenges, and reduced
social engagement. Social isolation is also a significant issue among the elderly,
which is making inclusive urban planning crucial. Despite the potential for
decreased social engagement, planners often overlook the design of age-friendly
urban spaces. The study reviews existing literature on age-friendly urban planning,
emphasizing the need for global cooperation, national policies, and reports on
elderly wellbeing. It also aims to reevaluate land use and built environment; and
enhance urban open spaces' accessibility and quality, promoting the well-being
and inclusivity of the elderly population. An understanding must be developed
whether social opportunities for elderly well-being are decreasing due to growing
urbanization or not.
The research objectives include site study, data collection through observations in
current urban open spaces, interviews, and surveys, as well as engagement with
local stakeholders conducting surveys and exploring strategies for social
engagement. The research scope covers a specific neighbourhood of South
Mumbai, Maharashtra, focusing on parameters like walkability, transportation,
social infrastructure, safety, land use change, and the built environment.
The study aims to improve age-friendliness and explore social opportunities in the
chosen neighbourhood, offering policy recommendations and data-driven insights
which require GIS and observation of activities and getting insight of changes at
several locations. It will emphasis importance of Community-based involvement -
the importance of inclusive urban planning, land use interventions, and increased
social engagement in creating age-friendly cities.
