Aging in Sustainable Cities: A Checklist for Integrating Older Adults into Urban and Social Development

The rapid growth of ageing populations globally presents significant challenges for urban environments, social systems, and sustainability strategies. In Italy, where life expectancy is among the highest in the world, addressing these challenges is particularly urgent. While much attention has been given to sustainability, there has been limited focus on how ageing populations interact with rapidly changing social and urban environments. This study seeks to bridge that gap by developing a checklist that local policymakers can use to integrate older adults into urban planning and social development, promoting sustainable and inclusive cities.

Grounded in Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, which examines the interconnected influences on individuals, this research applies a systems-thinking approach to aging. The Delphi method was employed to gather expert input across disciplines, identifying key areas such as reducing inequalities, improving well-being, fostering innovation, and enhancing the active participation of older adults in urban settings. Data collected through two rounds of surveys and interviews were used to refine the checklist, which addresses political priorities and actionable interventions.

By adopting this checklist, local policymakers can create more inclusive and age-friendly urban environments that support the well-being of older adults while promoting social equity and sustainability across generations. This research emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address the complex challenges posed by an ageing society in an evolving urban landscape.