Age-Friendly City Movement

Abstract

Recent trend of demography gives a clear view of ageing population worldwide. The significant increase in ageing population brings an overwhelming challenge to both Asian and European countries. Meanwhile, globalisation, advanced technology, social stigmas and complex city structures make elderly live with barriers. How to live with dignity is always a complicated and controversial topic. Luckily, the reflections and comparisons between Asian and European countries provide opportunities for countries in the world to learn from each other about how to provide holistic care to old adults to live with social respect. Moreover, some successful age-friendly communities reveal that the modification of community to be an age-friendly place may be a way out for the regions or countries. An age-friendly city with comprehensive community support and positive attitude towards elderly is a key to discrimination-free city. This chapter provides an analysis of the negative labels and potential opportunities for elderly. Strategies from different aspects to shape an age-friendly city will be discussed in detail. Lastly, the discussion and comparison between Asian and European age-friendly cities with two examples will be demonstrated by integrating information and sources of successful programmes by some outstanding countries. This article provides an impulse for further studies of age-friendly city in the future.