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Our study contributes the clearly identified need for cities to adapt to an aging population toward a greater understanding of the relationship between designed elements within transit-oriented public spaces and their influence on social interaction among older people in the spaces, mitigating social isolation and loneliness, and better supporting healthy aging in place.
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Target audience
Design for health community (who works at the intersections of design, health, science, creative practice, wellbeing and related fields); Urban planners/designers (transit-oriented urban environments; age-friendly); Policy makers (aging-in-place, transit-oriented development).
The problem
Recognizing the challenges of social isolation and loneliness among the aging population; research attention is turning to explore the social dimension of urban design and questions of how the built environment can support social interaction. In the rapidly evolving context of transit-based urbanism, urban spaces not only enhance the city’s overall livability but also offer older adults increased accessibility and interaction opportunities beyond their immediate residential neighbourhood, potentially alleviating feelings of social isolation and loneliness.
What we did and why
We conducted on-site semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations with 55 older adults in transit-oriented urban environments in Sydney. Our focus was public spaces associated with railway stations, as these are emerging as crucial elements of urban design that enhance walkability and accessibility. The aim was to explore the types of social interactions occurring in these spaces, how they happen, and how the spatial design of such public spaces shapes social interactions among older adults.
Our study’s contribution
Our study contributes preliminary data toward the clearly identified need for cities to adapt to an aging population toward a greater understanding of the relationship between designed elements within transit-oriented public spaces and their influence on social interaction among older people in the spaces. It highlights the value of these public spaces in fostering social encounters, contributing to mental health and wellbeing, and offering insights into mitigating social isolation and loneliness among older adults.
Impacts for city policy and practice
Our findings suggest that the role of walkways, appropriately designed seating, and features such as playgrounds, murals, and water features play in supporting both direct and indirect social interactions among this user group. Further research that interrogates how transit-oriented public spaces inform the broader social habits and behaviours of older people within the city could enhance urban planning, public health, social policy, and the quality of life of older adults.
Further information
Full research article:
Loneliness – what’s urban design got to do with it? Older people in transit-oriented suburban public spaces in Sydney, Australia by Jialing Xie, Rebecca McLaughlan & Ian Woodcock.
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