Experiences Of Neighbourhood Exclusion and Inclusion Among Older Residents In Manchester, UK: Developing Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods

Developing environments responsive to the aspirations and needs of older people has become a major concern for social and public policy. This paper explores conceptual and empirical aspects of the age-friendly cities debate, with a particular focus on issues of place and space in urban settings. Exploratory findings are reported from an empirical study in a neighbourhood in Manchester, which sought to examine experiences of social exclusion and inclusion among people aged over 60. Drawing on a mixed-method approach consisting of questionnaires, focus groups and interviews, the paper identifies four issues in relation to the neighbourhood dimension of social exclusion/inclusion in later life: experiences of community change; feelings of security and safety; the management of urban space; and strategies of control. The article concludes by discussing conceptual and policy issues raised by the research, particularly in relation to the issue of developing age-friendly communities.