The experienced age-friendliness in two Polish cities: An in-depth analysis of the views of older citizens

As the World Health Organization launched its age-friendly city and communities programme nearly two decades ago, it raises concerns how to measure and evaluate urban policies concerning age-friendliness. This work presents the translation, validation and results of survey research for the older population of two age-friendly Polish cities (Kraków and Wrocław), using the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire. The study was conducted with two representative samples of older people living in Kraków (n = 392) and Wrocław (n = 409), who were asked to rate the age-friendliness of their cities. Based on the cluster analysis three typologies of older people emerged, reflecting the different views on their experience of living in the city. These resulting typologies showed that people's socio-economic status, living arrangements and health situation play an important role in how they experience city life. Results highlight the value of quantitative city evaluation in order to design and better monitor urban policies following an age-friendly agenda. The most important findings of particular relevance to public age-friendly policy in Poland is to secure the need for the older person to receive assistance with daily activities and mobility especially among those who do not see the positive aspects of living in an age-friendly city.