The Development, Implementation and/or Sustainability of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Programmes: Findings From an Umbrella Review

Abstract

Aim: To examine the evidence from systematic reviews on the development, implementation, and/or sustainability of age-friendly cities and communities programmes. Design: This review was informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute umbrella review methodology. Methods: Critical appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis were carried out according to the Joanna Briggs protocol for undertaking umbrella reviews. Data Sources: An extensive CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, PubMed and Scopus search was conducted for literature published from January 2007 to July 2024. Finalised search terms included ‘age-friendly’, ‘age-friendly cities and communities’ ‘systematic review’, meta-analysis', ‘integrative review’, ‘narrative review’, ‘scoping review’, ‘rapid review’ and ‘scientometric review’ in combination with index terms were utilised to locate relevant literature. Results: Ten reviews were included comprising 4 scoping reviews, 1 interpretive review, 1 integrative review, 2 systematic reviews, 1 rapid review and 1 structured literature review. Synthesised findings were presented under the categories of ‘Development’; ‘Implementation’; and ‘Sustainability’. Conclusion: The findings are relevant to policy, practice and research. Longitudinal and evaluation research is needed to determine the long-term sustainability of AFCC programmes. More evidence is required on the success of programmes in marginalised communities and low to middle-income countries. Designing appropriate environments for ageing in place has far-reaching implications for the health and well-being of communities, especially our oldest citizens. This is particularly salient in this time of unprecedented population ageing. Nurses must have an in-depth understanding of the broader determinants of health, including ensuring environments are fit for purpose and meet the needs of older communities. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Understanding the importance of ensuring our cities and communities are age-friendly will positively influence the health and social care provided by nurses to older adults. Reporting Method: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyse checklist were used to report the screening process. Patient or Public Contribution: There was no patient or public contribution to this umbrella review. Trial Registration: The PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023413096 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=413096).