Enabling age-friendly urban environments: a comprehensive integration of smart city technologies for older adults: an empirical study of Pune city

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the integration of Smart City technologies with age-friendly urban environments, focusing on improving the quality of life for older adults in Pune, India. Design/methodology/approach This research used exploratory factor analysis to identify key factors contributing to age-friendly smart cities. Data were collected from 300 elderly residents through structured surveys based on the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities framework. Principal component analysis was used to extract factors, and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Findings This study identified four key factors: health-care access, transportation, community activity and satisfaction with accessibility. The results of this study showed high communalities in these areas, highlighting their importance in fostering age-friendly environments. However, gaps remain in addressing older adults’ specific needs, particularly in public transportation accessibility and telemedicine usability. Research limitations/implications This study focused on Pune, limiting the generalizability of findings to other urban areas. Future research could expand the geographic scope or incorporate longitudinal data to track progress over time. Practical implications This study provides valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers to create more inclusive Smart City initiatives. Emphasizing health care, mobility and social participation can significantly enhance age-friendly urban environments. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of smart cities and age-friendly urban planning, offering a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities for integrating technology to benefit older adults.