Cities across the world are growing older and this is an inevitable phenomenon. For the first time in history, there are more people aged 65 years or over than there are children under five. In fact, by 2050, one in six people will be 65 or older and urbanization rates will be above 20 percent but for most countries above 50 percent. Therefore, urbanization and aging are set to rise over the next three decades, with implications on city planning and management. This makes it crucial for policymakers to proactively think about and invest intentionally in planning and designing cities for an age-ready future.
Against this background, the World Bank has recently published , which aims to provide a constructive roadmap for cities and towns as they prepare for an older urban age. The report provides a roadmap that focuses on six key areas -- universal design, housing solutions, multigenerational spaces, physical mobility, technology, and efficient spatial forms ¨Ccan help policymakers design adaptive, productive, and inclusive age-ready cities.
To commemorate the publication of the report, Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) organized a launch event that discussed how building age-ready cities have universal economic and social benefits and promote better livability for all age groups. Some practical initiatives from leading cities within Japan and abroad were showcased during the event.
The event is relevant for countries that have a large aging population and those that will see aging in the coming years - to think about how their cities and towns can be planned and designed for an age-ready future.
Recording
(Maitreyi Bordia Das,Practice Manager,Global Practice of Urban, Resilience and Land, World Bank)
(Yuji Kuroiwa,Governor,Kanagawa Prefecture)
(Yasuko Arase,Deputy Mayor,City of Fukuoka)