Abstract
The increasing ageing of the population in European cities is driving the adoption of urban ageing policies, which are increasingly based on the integration of smart technologies in urban planning and, consequently, the promotion of sustainable solutions. However, maintaining a balance between technological progress and socio-economic variables is crucial for success. Investing in home automation and healthcare innovation can significantly improve the lives of our ageing population. This comprehensive research study explores the link between age-friendly environments and public value creation in the context of the rapid development of smart cities. The findings underline the need for policies that take into account the needs of older citizens and harness the potential of technology to create sustainable and inclusive cities. Understanding and addressing these issues will contribute to healthier and happier urban environments for all citizens.
TopIntroduction
The idea of a ‘smart city’ has evolved significantly in recent years, leading to a shift in urban development and planning approaches. This article explores how smart cities can be adapted to support sustainable urban ageing, focusing on the needs of older people. This demographic group is often neglected in pursuing technological progress and digitalisation, even though it represents a significant proportion of the world’s population, which is projected to grow in the coming years (People-Smart Sustainable Cities – UNECE, n.d.-c). The world’s population is ageing. In 2022, more than 711 million people were 65 and over, representing almost ten per cent of the world’s population. The elderly population is projected to continue to grow in the future. By 2050, around 16% of the world’s population is expected to be 65 or older.
Moreover, this number is expected to rise to twenty-four per cent by 2100 (Alvare, 2023). The impending demographic change poses several challenges for urban planners. The foremost is ensuring accessibility, safety, and inclusivity for elderly persons. Regarding accessibility, mobility can pose significant challenges as individuals age, and smart cities can aid in addressing this challenge. Solutions such as smart transportation systems and smart homes incorporating technology to enhance mobility and accessibility for older adults are some examples (Tupasela et al., 2023); in terms of safety, older adults are often vulnerable to risks in their homes and public spaces. Smart city technologies, including sensor systems and AI-based monitoring, can potentially enhance older adults’ safety (Ghorayeb et al., 2021). Ageing often results in social isolation, but smart cities can foster inclusivity for older adults by employing technology that enables social interactions and community engagement (Sen et al., 2022). Cities can cater to the needs of their ageing populations and ensure a higher quality of life for all citizens by comprehending and implementing these smart city adaptations for sustainable urban ageing.
Population ageing has become a pressing issue for all state subsystems. It impacts changes in lifestyle and the need of older individuals for adjustments to urban infrastructure in both rural and urban areas (Roblek, 2019). As urban areas expand and the global population ages, cities must develop policies and solutions promoting sustainable urban ageing. A crucial aspect of this endeavour involves integrating technological progress with age-friendly urban planning, now commonly referred to as ‘smart city adaptations for sustainable urban ageing’. This chapter aims to clarify the particular features of such European smart city sustainable development and illuminate its significance for meeting the requirements of older citizens.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Urban Ageing: It is a rapidly developing field that addresses issues related to the problems of older people living in urban areas ( van Hoof et al., 2018 AU106: The citation "van Hoof et al., 2018" matches the reference "Van Hoof et al, 2018", but the capitalization is different. ).
Digital inclusion: Is about citizens’ ability to access the available information and communication infrastructure and digital technologies, solutions, and services. At the same time, to use them competently and securely, to trust them and thus to participate actively in the Information Society (Government of Republic of Slovenia, 2023 AU104: The in-text citation "Government of Republic of Slovenia, 2023" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Cyber-Physical Environments: A communication space is accessible through a global interconnection of computers and computer memories. It includes all communication systems capable of transmitting information from digital sources or sources intended for digitisation. One of the basic functions of cyberspace is to provide remote access to data from different (digital) sources (Levy, 2001 AU103: The in-text citation "Levy, 2001" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Smart City Stakeholders: All direct or indirect entities that are in contact with the city and can contribute to its further development. These entities include universities and other research and development institutions, the economy, non-governmental organisations, the population, and others (Buffel et al., 2018 AU105: The in-text citation "Buffel et al., 2018" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Urban Digital Platforms: are dedicated to analysing data to develop smart city solutions that improve cities’ sustainability, security, and efficiency worldwide. They can be implemented to control and manage data in different areas such as energy, infrastructure, water and sanitation, public transport, smart buildings, and others ( Roblek & Meško, 2020 ).
Social Connectivity: The development of technologies and applications to connect citizens to maintain and increase social contacts ( Roblek, 2019 ).
Adaptive Technologies: These are technologies that can adapt to developments or are part of a product that is not the same as the one for which they were developed or were created for one purpose but are used for another (e.g., blockchain technology emerged for the development of cryptocurrencies, but today it is also used in various ways for other purposes and is applicable in almost all sectors) (Verhoef et al., 2021 AU102: The in-text citation "Verhoef et al., 2021" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Smart City: It is a city that, thanks to its developed infrastructure, advanced services and stimulating environment, offers its inhabitants a very high quality of life and its authorities simpler and more transparent management of the city’s resources (financial, natural, infrastructure, health etc.) ( Appio et al., 2019 ).