Urban Ageing and Social Exclusion

elderly person walking with support of trolley

Duration: 03/16 – 02/19

Social exclusion is an acute problem for older people, particularly those living in cities – a rapidly growing population in the context of increasing urbanisation and rising life expectancy. Yet despite widespread recognition of this issue, the evidence base on the experiences of older urban residents is currently limited.

Urban Ageing and Social Exclusion aims to enhance understanding in this important area through a comparative analysis of cities in Belgium (Brussels), Ireland (Dublin) and the UK (Manchester). Through an extensive review of the existing literature on age-friendly urban interventions and participatory fieldwork with older people in the case study areas, the project will assess the extent to which previous approaches to include older populations have been successful.

The findings will be invaluable source of information for policy makers, academics and civil society organisations working to promote more supportive urban environments for ageing populations in cities.

Tine Buffel (Principal Investigator, Research Fellow)

Collation of existing literature and datasets on varying experiences of social exclusion among different groups of elderly persons, focusing on Belgium, Ireland and the UK.

In-depth qualitative fieldwork in Brussels, Dublin and Manchester, including interviews, surveys and training of older people as co-researchers.

Dissemination of findings through academic papers, presentations in international conferences, stakeholder meetings and publications, including a policy roadmap and a good practice toolkit.

Building age-friendly cities: a manifesto for change
8 February 2018