Planning towards social cohesion for elderly wellbeing:

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.