The recent Smart City Expo World Congress 2023 in Barcelona was an opportunity for AGE to better understand the future innovation of Urban Planning and how it can help create cities that are not only smart but also compassionate, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of all age groups.
The role of AGE Platform Europe in the project was to create guidelines to engage and co-design with older adults and stakeholders and to disseminate at European level the results of the project.
Key insights from the congress
The dynamics of urban living are rapidly evolving, with a global population that is ageing at an unprecedented rate. In this context, the Smart City Expo World Congress 2023 held in Barcelona explored how urban planning can help address demographic challenges and opportunities.
Here are some of the insights gleaned from the congress:
> Inclusive Urban Design
A recurrent theme at the congress was the necessity for urban planning to be inherently inclusive. As cities strive to become more age-friendly, planners and architects are reimagining public spaces, transportation systems, and infrastructure to cater to the diverse needs of older adults. The emphasis is on creating environments that are accessible, safe, and conducive to an active lifestyle, ensuring that the city remains a vibrant and supportive space for all its inhabitants.
> Technological Integration
The congress showcased innovative applications of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics, demonstrating their transformative impact on urban spaces and the wellbeing of city dwellers of all ages.
More specifically Urbanage had the opportunity to set the tone with an insightful discussion on the integration of URBANAGE within the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium. The coordinator of the project, Roberto Di Bernardo, emphasized the transformative potential of disruptive technologies for inclusive smart cities, focusing on the integration of technology, sustainability, and community engagement in urban development for ageing well in cities.
> Community-Centric Approaches
Strategies such as co-creation and co-design initiatives as the ones developed for Urbanage or intergenerational programs were explored as effective means to foster social connections and combat the growing issue of loneliness among seniors. Planners and policymakers stressed the importance of creating environments that promote a sense of community and mutual support.
> Policy and Governance
Effective urban planning for an ageing population requires a supportive policy framework and robust governance structures. The congress served as a forum for discussions on the implementation of policies that incentivise age-friendly initiatives, encourage innovation, and prioritise the wellbeing of older residents. The collaboration between local governments, private sector entities, and community organisations was identified as crucial for the successful implementation of such policies.
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