Urban Planning for the Elderly: Insights from the Liverpool City Region Study

The concept of the 20-minute city has been making waves in urban planning circles. At its core, this idea promotes the vision of a city where every essential service - be it grocery stores, healthcare, or entertainment - is just a 20-minute walk or bike ride away. But how does this concept fare when we consider the diverse mobility needs of our ageing population?

A recent study published in Applied Geography examines this very question. Led by researchers from the University of Liverpool and the University of Edinburgh, the study focuses on the Liverpool City Region (LCR) in Northwest England and used the Ageing in Place Classification (AiPC) data from CDRC-ULO.

Key Findings:

1. Diverse Mobility Needs: The 20-minute city concept, while politically popular, often overlooks the varied mobility needs of different age groups.
2. Reduced Walking Speed: As people age, reduced walking speed can significantly diminish their accessibility to essential services. However, the extent of this reduction varies among different older person groups.
3. Decentralisation of Services: To truly cater to the needs of the ageing population, services should not be centralised. Instead, they should be spread out, allowing older citizens to access them within a 20-minute walk.

Implications for Policy:

The findings of this study are crucial for policymakers, especially those in urban planning. Here's why:

• Inclusive Urban Planning: As cities grow and evolve, it's essential to ensure that urban planning is inclusive. This means considering the diverse mobility needs of all citizens, especially the ageing population.
• Decentralising Essential Services: Policymakers should consider decentralising essential services, ensuring they are accessible within a 20-minute walk. This not only promotes active ageing but also reduces the reliance on carbon-based transport.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The use of CDRC data in this study underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in urban planning. Such data can provide invaluable insights into the specific needs and preferences of different demographic groups.

The 20-minute city is more than just a planning concept; it's a vision for a future where every citizen, young or old, has equal access to the services they need. By considering the unique needs of older citizens, urban planners can create cities that are not only convenient and efficient but also inclusive and equitable.

Publication: Dunning, R. J., Dolega, L., Nasuto, A., Nurse, A., & Calafiore, A. (2023). Age and the 20-min city: Accounting for variation in mobility. Applied geography, 156, 103005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2023.103005

Dataset: Ageing in Place Classification (AiPC)

Richard Dunning, Les Dolega, Andrea Nasuto, Alessia Calafiore