Professor Anna Nieboer researches age-friendly communities and shares her insights in this interview. She explains why inclusive and supportive neighbourhoods matter, the key challenges we face, and what older adults themselves say they need to feel seen and supported.
Why do you focus on age-friendly communities and why is this important now?
Because the number of older people is growing, policymakers and care providers increasingly recognise that the neighbourhood — as an “age‑friendly” community — is important. It is clear that “age-friendly” relates to how the environment influences people’s wellbeing. But how exactly? And is it the same for older people with a Dutch background and those with a migration background? We still know too little about how older people experience this. That makes it difficult to develop effective policies. Our research shows how we can ensure that older people, with and without a migration background, can age well in their own neighbourhood. This contributes to good care and support for older people in society.
What makes a neighbourhood truly age‑friendly?
Older people, like everyone else, need their environment to meet their needs for affection, appreciation, status, stimulation, and comfort. How much they find of this in their neighbourhood says something about how age‑friendly that neighbourhood is. Solidarity between neighbours also plays a role — meaning people trust and help each other when needed. A neighbourhood is age‑friendly when it contributes to the social connection and wellbeing of older people, including in diverse urban neighbourhoods.
How do the needs of older people differ across backgrounds or cultures?
The needs of older people clearly differ depending on background or culture:
Older people without a migration background
Older people without a migration background value safety, social contact, and a green, tidy neighbourhood. Their wellbeing is strengthened by a pleasant physical environment and contact with neighbours.
Older Turkish people
Older Turkish people value safety but also need support with daily tasks, language, administration, and affordable, suitable housing. Social activities and preserving traditions play an important role.
Older Moroccan people
Older Moroccan people place strong emphasis on family and home environment, social connection and engagement in the neighbourhood, affordable and sustainable housing, and inclusive communities that prevent isolation.
Older Surinamese people
Older Surinamese people value safety, togetherness, accessibility of facilities, a supportive home environment, and cleanliness of the neighbourhood, but preferences for specific facilities vary widely between individuals.
Culture, background, and personal experience influence which aspects of the neighbourhood and support older people value most. Policy and interventions must be flexible and tailored to meet these diverse needs.
How can age‑friendly communities help people live independently for longer?
Safe, accessible, and social neighbourhoods help older people remain independent, active, and engaged.
What are the biggest challenges in creating age‑friendly communities?
- Safety and accessibility: Streets, buildings, and public spaces must be safe, well-lit, and adapted for older people (e.g., lifts, ramps, step-free entrances). This requires investment and adaptation of existing infrastructure.
- Affordable and suitable housing: Older people need housing that is sustainable, comfortable, and affordable — which is often in short supply.
- Social cohesion and inclusivity: Neighbourhoods should be socially connected and culturally inclusive so that older people with a migration background feel welcome and supported.
- Access to facilities and services: Nearby healthcare, shops, and social activities are crucial but not always available in every neighbourhood.
- Support with daily tasks: Older people sometimes need help with administration, shopping, or care; organising such support locally is complex.
- Diversity in needs: Older people are not a homogeneous group; differences in background, culture, health, and preferences make tailored policies essential.
- Collaboration between policymakers, urban planners, and the community: Creating age‑friendly communities requires coordination between multiple stakeholders, which takes time and resources.
In short: combining physical, social, and supportive aspects of a neighbourhood — while taking diversity and inclusivity into account — is the core challenge.
Marokkaanse ouderen
Marokkaanse ouderen leggen vooral nadruk op familie en thuisomgeving, sociale verbondenheid en betrokkenheid bij de buurt, betaalbare en levensbestendige woningen, en inclusieve buurten die isolatie voorkomen.
- Professor
