SECURITY MEANS AGE-FRIENDLINESS. ANALYSIS OF OLDER PEOPLE’S NEEDS REGARDING THE SAFE INFRASTRUCTURE OF OPEN RESIDENTIAL SPACES. A CASE STUDY OF POLAND, THE EU MEMBER COUNTRY

Abstract

Motives: In the era of ageing population and threats arising from economic and geopolitical circumstances there is a need to adapt housing estates to different social groups, especially older persons as a particularly vulnerable group. Aim: The research objective of the article was to study the relevance of selected elements of infrastructure in open residential spaces regarding the safety in the eyes of older people in the face of various threats, such as pandemics and military conflicts. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to investigate the level of significance of selected elements of infrastructure based on in-depth literature research. The questionnaire survey was conducted twice on two random population samples (October 2021 and March/April 2022) in five chosen Polish cities (capitals of voivodeships). Results: Changes in the perceived importance of factors associated with residential safety were identified in the face of two types of threats. Urban planning solutions that contribute to a sense of security were identified in different gender and age groups. Public open spaces in cities should be accessible, user-friendly, and safe; they should promote social interactions with other residents, be aesthetically appealing, and encourage social activation.