Envelhecer no lugar e caminhabilidade: as cidades são preparadas para a velhice? - uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

The sociodemographic transition, with consequent population aging, is now a global reality. This scenario, concomitant with the growing urbanization of cities, makes the State have to adopt measures and strategies, capable to stimulate the autonomy and life quality of the aging population. However, few studies have analyzed the mode how the cities are planned in view of the growing number of elderly people. Thus, the main objective of this study was to verify, through a systematic review of the literature, how urban planning in cities takes place in the face of population aging, and if the cities are prepared for the aging of their inhabitants, allowing and encouraging aging in place. The review was guided by the recommendations outlined in the Cochrane Center for Evaluation Dissemination and Collaboration guidelines. The keywords followed the description of the main terms in English for: “Aging in place”, and “Walkability”, where 57 studies were selected. The necessary results are the need for an environment that encourages social relationships in old age, maintains autonomy, and develops a sense of belonging, in addition to demonstrating that in general, cities are not prepared to old age. Furthermore, issues that encourage leisure-time physical activity, whether environmental or social, are determinant for better physical and mental health conditions, favoring the life quality. In general, research reveals that urban planning, when guided in order to promote aging in the place, can act as an instrument to maintain autonomy, quality of life, favoring better social and health conditions.