Towards Age-Friendly Urban Spaces: Analyzing Elderly Facility Proximity Preference Needs in Dubai

This study addresses the critical challenge of optimizing spatial arrangements for the elderly in rapidly aging societies. It investigates the proximity preference preferences among nine types of facilities frequently used by senior citizens in Dubai. The research is set against demographic shifts and policy paradigms that are shifting towards aging-in-community, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban planning tailored to the elderly. The study classified individuals aged 65 and above as seniors and surveyed 180 participants at Dubai’s Al Safa Park. Researchers analyzed the proximity preference, termed ‘adjacency,’ of facilities, including residential, rest, public, cultural, transportation, welfare, medical, commercial, and religious facilities. Data collection spanned nine days and employed cross-analysis and multidimensional scaling (MDS) to interpret the findings. The results revealed a high preference for proximity between residential spaces and parks, supermarkets, and bus stops, indicating a desire for accessible facilities. MDS analysis showed residential, rest, and transportation facilities were spatially closer, while religious facilities were distinct in location. Income levels significantly influenced facility proximity preferences, with high-income seniors preferring commercial facilities near residential areas but medical facilities farther away. This study highlights the importance of considering income levels in urban planning for the elderly. Recommendations include planning residential, transportation, and green spaces in proximity preference while acknowledging varying preferences for religious facilities. Future research should focus on diverse regions and consider individual circumstances. This study contributes to urban planning by providing insights into senior citizens’ spatial preferences, which is crucial for enhancing facility usage and satisfaction in aging societies.