Ageing Suitability Evaluation of Residential Districts Based on Active Ageing Theory

Residential districts, the primary locations for older adults, struggle to satisfy the needs of the rising older population due to ageing infrastructure, etc. China has begun to focus on this issue through the popularization of approaches such as active ageing theory (AAT), and has implemented ageing suitability renovations. Meanwhile, recent evaluation models failed to validate their logic and standardization. The current evaluation models prioritize the indoor environment above the external environment. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a comprehensive evaluation model of the ageing suitability of residential districts. First, 23 indicators of ageing suitability were identified by a systematic literature review and expert interviews; next, the indicators were categorized using the active ageing theory. Second, the grey correlation analysis approach was used to calculate the weights of evaluation indicators, and the existing evaluation criteria were incorporated to formulate the evaluation criteria for the project. Eventually, the evaluation model was constructed. Finally, the feasibility of the model was validated by a case study. The findings of this study can help provide directions for the future renovation of old residential districts (for example, the activity area should be over 200 m²) and the construction of suitable houses for older adults, such as the installation of a continuous handrail, to alleviate the increasingly grave problem of ageing and promote the development of the pension industry.

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