Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Nowadays, two related processes characterize society: aging and urbanization, social changes that impel the generation of new public policies in order to improve our city’s habitability. Chile is not an exception to these global trends being the second aged country in the region. As in other developing countries these changes are even more dramatic. Our country presents an extremely centralized population distribution, with 40% (close to 8 million) living in the Metropolitan Region, where Santiago, the capital, is located. Older population follows the same tendency with 96, 9% living in urban contexts. The demographic concentration and lack of appropriate policies have promoted an urban sprawl of the city, where public transport becomes essential, especially for the most vulnerable segments of society that live in outlying zones, mostly without adequate urban services. In this context, one of the less researched aspects related to the ageing process is the design and adaptation of urban spaces and public transportation facilities adequate to older people requirements, with the presence of barriers that limit daily activities, social involvement and mobility. Presentation includes findings through an assessment methodology in the historic centre of Santiago.