Delving into the world of urban planning with a focus on age-friendliness, The Hague presents a fascinating case study. This city, a member of the Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, conducted a comprehensive survey in 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness of its age-friendly initiatives. The study, involving 396 older residents, aimed to capture their perceptions of the city's age-friendliness across various domains.

The findings of the survey offer intriguing insights. There was a noticeable decline in social participation, potentially a residual effect of the COVID-19 pandemic's social restrictions, while respect and social inclusion experienced a notable increase. A groundbreaking aspect of this research was the identification of four distinct personas among the elderly population through cluster analysis. These personas ranged from individuals grappling with financial and health challenges to those in more prosperous and healthy circumstances, showcasing the diverse experiences of elderly residents in The Hague.

The primary goal of the study was to monitor changes in age-friendliness perceptions over time and to assess the efficacy of cluster analysis in developing detailed personas for informed policy-making. This innovative method provides a deeper understanding of the varied needs and experiences of older residents, guiding more nuanced and effective urban planning strategies.

For future directions, the study emphasizes the importance of targeted policy interventions tailored to the specific needs of each persona group, especially focusing on the more vulnerable segments of the population. Further research should aim to refine these personas and examine their applicability in other urban contexts, ensuring that age-friendly initiatives are effectively aligned with the diverse needs of older populations.

In essence, The Hague's approach to assessing age-friendliness through a persona-based lens offers valuable lessons for urban planners and policymakers, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to improve the quality of life for older citizens in urban environments.

Por: Anderson S. Ferreira

Referência

VAN HOOF, Joost; VAN STAALDUINEN, Willeke H.; DIKKEN, Jeroen. A multi-year quantitative study of the experienced age-friendliness in The Hague: A tale of four personas. Social science & medicine (1982), v. 340, n. 116362, p. 116362, 2024. Disponível em: .