Empowering Older Adults to Utilise Neighbourhoods: A Healthy Ageing Perspective

Healthy ageing refers to the dynamic process of acquiring and maintaining functional capabilities that enhance the well-being of older adults. The World Health Organization aims to optimise older adults’ functional capability as they age. However, concurrent shifts, including climate change and extreme temperatures, challenge WHO’s “Decade of Healthy Ageing” agenda for 2030. Consequently, given the global population’s upward trajectory, it is imperative to establish neighbourhoods that facilitate healthy and fulfilling lives for older adults. This chapter delves into empowering older adults to utilise their neighbourhoods effectively. Specifically, it examines the pivotal role of neighbourhood resources as intriguing environments that can either facilitate or hinder the ageing process in a health-promoting manner. The discussion highlights the intricate interplay among psychological, social, and physical aspects of empowerment, emphasising the contribution of inclusivity and neighbourhood engagement to older adults’ enhanced autonomy and overall well-being. Moreover, the chapter explores interventions and policies to harness neighbourhood resources, promote healthy ageing, foster intergenerational relationships, and develop age-friendly neighbourhoods.