Age-friendly Bandon? An assessment of Bandon's outdoor spaces and buildings using the World Health Organisation guidelines on age-friendly cities
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Date
2012-04-18
Authors
Byrnes, Carol
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Publisher
Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork
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Abstract
Where we live, the physical, social and cultural environment impacts hugely on how we live. An age-friendly community provides access to public transport, outdoor spaces and buildings, appropriate housing, community support and health services. It also supports people to be active participants in society and provides greater opportunities for civic participation and employment. This study evaluates the age-friendliness of Bandon’s outdoor spaces and buildings. It does this by harnessing the knowledge and skills of local community members to assess the age-friendly supports and challenges of Bandon’s physical environment. Members of the community photographed the town’s environment and then discussed these images to highlight the impact of age-friendly features and difficulties on their daily lives. This research suggests that while Bandon’s environment does have age-friendly aspects, it also requires improvements to become more age-friendly and accessible for its citizens. It highlights that high traffic volumes, poor driver/pedestrian relationships, poorly maintained footpaths and perceptions of safety all impact negatively on the community member’s use of the town. It concludes that age-friendly planning benefits all members of a community by facilitating accessibility, mobility and involvement of people, of all ages, for the duration of their lifetimes.
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Keywords
Livable community , Bandon , Outdoor spaces and buildings , World Health Organisation guidelines , Age-friendly cities
Citation
Byrnes, C. (2012) Age-friendly Bandon? An assessment of Bandon's outdoor spaces and buildings using the World Health Organisation guidelines on age-friendly cities. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.
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© 2012, Carol Byrnes.