Holistic Age-Friendly Communities: A Comprehensive Literature Review on Factors Affecting the Elderly Experience in Built Environments

Creation of liveable environments that cater to the needs of people of all ages; especially in the contemporary scenario, where aging and urbanization determine liveability. The study underscores the need for planners to design communities that can accommodate the increasing number of elderly individuals, as their presence is integral to fostering a fulfilling aging experience. The review aims to identify the factors that influence the lives of the elderly within the built environment and the social spaces. The comparative studies on various programs for age-friendliness globally lead to the identification of indicators for selected factors. The analysis categorizes factors for an age-friendly community into social, physical, psychological, and economic. In spite of providing age-friendly environments, evidence of their impact remains scanty. Specific approaches to local contexts enhance the effectiveness of age-friendly communities in promoting active aging and quality life. Existing frameworks primarily focus on urban areas. However, implementation in rural areas requires special attention, so as to address the needs of all citizens. Necessity for context-specific considerations in developing age-friendly communities is established. The interconnectedness of various aspects of age-friendliness qualifies the need for a cohesive system analysis, rather than separate entities.