Practices of Age-Friendly Cities in Turkey

Abstract

It is predicted that the proportion of the elderly population in the total population will increase. Technological developments, social state development, and innovations in medical science have increased life expectancy. Central state institutions and local government organizations increase the services and expenditures for the elderly population as a requirement of the social state. The concept of an age-friendly city and its applications have gained importance since the 1980s. Municipalities closest to the public have to produce more services to create more suitable and less dangerous areas for elderly people. Municipalities should ensure the active participation of the elderly population in production and consumption activities. It is thus expected to provide services in the fields of education, infrastructure services, health, accessibility and sports. In recent years, the elderly population in developed countries is relatively higher compared to the total population. For this reason, it is usual for age-friendly cities to increase in number and services in developed countries. In this research, the concept of an age-friendly city will be explained in the context of the silver economy and active old age. The basic features of the age-friendly city will be explained. This paper analyses the services provided in selected cities in the world and Turkey in the context of an age-friendly city.