Ageing is not a central focus in the Smart City framework under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even though it plays a significant role in urban sustainability. With an aging global population, there is a pressing need to incorporate considerations for older adults in smart city planning. The current lack of comprehensive measurements and insights for ageing means policymakers are often not equipped to address these challenges effectively.
As the global population ages rapidly, with over 761 million people aged 65 and older in 2021, the lack of focus on this demographic in smart city models is a growing concern. Although smart city initiatives often incorporate technology and innovation for urban improvement, they generally overlook the specific needs and challenges of older adults.
Technology has a big role in enhancing the lives of older adults within smart cities, like Singapore’s ePlanner system, which helps allocate healthcare and community resources more effectively. Such initiatives highlight the need for governance that balances resource distribution across age groups. It’s important to have this synergy between public, private, and community sectors to enhance the effectiveness of smart city initiatives, ensuring that the needs of older adults are not overlooked. Current models for measuring smart city success, such as the Global Competitiveness Index or the Green City Index, are insufficient in addressing ageing-related factors.
For further reading, you can access the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266703212300063X
