Sustainable Urban Planning Strategies to Promote Physical Activity Among Older Adults

Population aging is rapidly transforming urban societies and increasing the need for environments that support healthy and active aging. Urban planning and the built environment play a fundamental role in promoting opportunities for physical activity among older adults. In this context, sustainable urban planning and health-oriented frameworks such as the WELL Building Standard highlight the importance of movement, accessibility, and community wellbeing in age-friendly cities. This narrative review examines how environment and infrastructure can have a direct effect on people's health and influence the physical activity of older adults. Relevant literature published between ۲۰۰۰ and early ۲۰۲۶ was reviewed and categorized into five key factors: built environment and walkability, green spaces and park design, accessibility to urban facilities and recreational Spaces, social infrastructure and community engagement, and barriers and moderating factors. The findings suggest that walkable neighborhoods, accessible green spaces, inclusive public open spaces, and supportive social environments can positively influence physical activity and social participation in later life. In contrast, poor pedestrian conditions, limited transport access, safety concerns, and socio-economic inequalities may reduce older adults' use of urban spaces and recreational facilities. Overall, integrating age-friendly strategies into sustainable urban planning, in line with principles emphasized by the WELL Building Standard, can help create healthier, more inclusive, and more supportive urban environments for aging populations.

کلیدواژه ها:

Older adults ، Physical activity ، Sustainable urban planning ، Age-friendly design ، Built environment