YAŞ DOSTU KENTLERİN GELİŞTİRİLMESİ: TÜRKİYE İÇİN STRATEJİK BİR ÇERÇEVE

The rapid increase in the elderly population necessitates that cities adapt effectively to meet their needs. This study proposes localized strategies for Turkey within the framework of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) eight strategic domains for age-friendly cities. It examines the barriers to participation faced by older adults in Turkiye, particularly in terms of physical, social, and digital accessibility. Key recommendations include improving public transportation infrastructure for greater accessibility, creating spatial arrangements that support social participation, expanding digital literacy, and enhancing healthcare services in rural areas. Additionally, strategies are proposed to encourage the involvement of older adults in urban planning processes. These localized strategies aim to create age-friendly cities aligned with Turkiye’s socio-economic and cultural context, fostering the effective integration of older adults into society. The study underscores the need for local governments to implement age-friendly strategies as actionable policies, building accessible, inclusive cities that support the independence and well-being of older adults.