Exploring the Determinants of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Perceptions Among Turkish Older Adults

The ageing population and rapid urbanisation highlight the need for inclusive and sustainable cities that support the well-being of older adults. Drawing on the framework of environmental gerontology, this study explores the determinants of perceptions of age-friendly cities and communities among older adults in Türkiye. Data were collected from 411 individuals aged 65 years and over in Burdur Province using sociodemographic questionnaires and scales measuring Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), as well as the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ-TR). The results reveal that perceptions of age-friendliness are significantly influenced by gender, age, marital status, health conditions and behaviours. Women, married participants, and younger age groups gave more positive evaluations, whereas chronic illness, falls, fractures, and risky health behaviours were associated with more negative perceptions. No significant associations were found between ADL/IADL and perceptions, emphasising the greater importance of social and environmental factors compared to functional independence in shaping urban experiences. These findings suggest that sustainable age-friendly urban policies should prioritise physical infrastructure, social participation, accessible healthcare, and digital inclusion. Measures such as establishing community centres, enhancing public transport and open spaces, supporting home-based healthcare, and promoting digital literacy could contribute to the creation of healthier, more socially resilient, and more environmentally sustainable cities for older populations. By offering empirical evidence from Türkiye, where age-friendly initiatives remain limited, the study contributes to international debates on sustainable cities and underscores the urgent need for context-specific, inclusive, and cross-sectoral strategies to support ageing populations in urban environments.