Walking and ageing: exploring the walkable public space of older adults in Chilean’ urban planning tools

Abstract

Population ageing is one of the biggest challenges of Latin American cities, yet little is known on how urban planning addresses it. This article seeks to contribute to this discussion, by investigating how the planning tools that define the walkable space of Chilean cities cover the needs of older adults and, in general, of pedestrians. Fifteen normative and indicative tools were analysed with qualitative tools, showing that older people’s needs are scarcely considered in public spaces that prioritise the flow of an “average” and in constant movement pedestrian.

Keywords:
Older adults; Walking; Built environment; Urban planning; Vulnerable groups