Data-driven insights into age-friendly smart community development in China: A case study of Beijing

Abstract

The aging society has prompted a re-evaluation of community development strategies to better accommodate the needs of older populations. In this context, the concept of age-friendly smart communities has gained prominence, aiming to leverage technologies to enhance the quality of life for older residents. This article summarizes a general concept of an age-friendly community within the framework of smart city development in China. It then explores residential compounds in Beijing to investigate their potential for implementing age-friendly smart communities. Through data description and classification, the spatial distribution and local characteristics of residential compounds were examined. The results highlight housing compounds with the potential to become age-friendly smart communities, based on factors such as building age, population demographics, and typological differences reflecting community conditions and surrounding resources. Overall, by examining the intersection of the aging population, urban regeneration, and technology integration, this article contributes to understanding how data-driven insights can shape the evolution of smart communities in an aging society.