The notion of Ageing in Place & Age Friendly Built Environment in Core Urban area of Lalitpur

Abstract

This study attempted to access the notion of ageing in place among older individuals; identify the current condition of different imperative domains of age-friendly cities – housing, building, outdoor and neighborhood spaces, transportation, public spaces; and analyze whether the current core urban city is able to promote independent and active ageing amongst the older population. The study employed qualitative research method and descriptive statistics to further analyze the data. The data used in this study were collected from structured questionnaire amongst 112 individuals. A brief overview of the findings suggests that while the notion of ageing in place is prominent in core urban area of Lalitpur, the current condition of built environment is inadequate to facilitate independence of older population and to enhance both their wellbeing and quality of life. The dwelling form and building structures lacks imperative criteria like access to essential services, access to sunlight and fresh air, mobility within house, access to bedroom, toilet, and kitchen, among others. Likewise, the outdoor and neighborhood spaces in Lalitpur also does not support active ageing as it lacks critical infrastructures like open space, seating areas for social participation and rest, public toilet, and venues for entertainment and community activities. Traffic congestion and lack of access to public transport are also prominent problems. The difficulties faced by the elderly citizens has direct and adverse impact on both physical and mental wellbeing of the elderly citizens. Given the scenario, Lalitpur city needs to invest heavily in policies as well as infrastructure to make the city age-friendly, which would allow active and independent ageing amongst elderly citizens.