The number of older adults is increasing rapidly, and this demographic shift puts an increased level of stress on worldwide healthcare systems. The vast majority of older adults wish to age in place, and many make use of long-term care services, including homecare, rehabilitation services, and social support. One way to support older people to live the life they wish to live is through the age-friendly cities initiative, a world-wide program to make cities better-tuned to the needs of older citizens. Making cities more age-friendly can be done through dedicated housing facilities, home modifications and adaptations.
With advances in technology, the domain of engineering and design offers a wide range of solutions that support daily function, activities, and participation, facilitates the provision of healthcare, and offers means for leisure to older people. Too often, end-users of architectural and technological solutions are not consulted in the design processes and the implementation of the solutions in practice. Their inclusion in these processes is paramount to the success of the proposed and implemented solutions.
The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish high-quality research papers as well as review articles addressing recent advances in age-friendly cities in relation to housing (including urban planning) and technology, both in the broadest sense of the word. Original, high quality contributions that are not yet published or that are not currently under review by other journals or peer-reviewed conferences are welcomed.
All selected papers will be published as open access and further information of the call can be found via the MDPI Healthcare website http://bit.ly/2RhxBFA
Information & Dates:
Guest Editors:
- Prof. Dr. Joost van Hoof - The Hague University of Applied Sciences
- Dr. Hannah R. Marston - The Open University
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katie Brittain - University of Northumbria
- Dr. Helen Barrie -The University of Adelaide
On behalf of all guest editors we look forward to receiving your submission to our special issue: Creating Age-friendly Communities: Housing and Technology