As lifespans get longer, we are seeing the demographic balance in many of our cities transform, with a significant rise in ageing populations. But are cities well designed for older age – and what are the challenges and opportunities of urban life for older generations?
Ageing London, a report published by the Mayor’s Design Advisory Group on Friday [pdf], provides recommendations on how to support a more age-friendly UK capital. The report advocates the development of innovative new models of housing for older Londoners and the establishment of a “lifetime high streets” programme to support older residents in starting new businesses and to create new intergenerational community spaces.
By 2035, the report explains, the number of over-60s in London is expected to increase by 48%; the number of those aged over 80 is set to increase by 70% in the same period. For the first time, the over-60s could outnumber the under-16s as a proportion of the total population of Greater London.
How will ageing populations shape our cities? Whichever city you live in the world, we’d love to hear about your experiences as an older person of the challenges and benefits of urban life. How could your city improve for older residents? What physical or social changes would you like to see happen to enable a more inclusive, age-friendly city? Share your experiences, ideas and thoughts in the form below by Monday 21 March. A selection of the responses will form part of our upcoming ageing cities series.
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