The second newsletter from the European Seniors Friendly Communities (ESFC) project reveals key findings from focus groups conducted across Ireland, Italy and Spain. The research examined six critical areas of age-friendly communities as defined by the WHO framework:
- Healthcare Access – Challenges include long waiting times, doctor shortages, and digital exclusion in service booking systems
- Transportation – Issues with rural mobility, inaccessible information, and digital-only ticketing systems
- Housing – Lack of age-friendly modifications and delays in government adaptation grants
- Social Participation – Limited outreach of community programs and need for intergenerational activities
- Outdoor Spaces & Safety – Problems with uneven pavements, poor lighting, and insufficient seating
- Respect & Inclusion – Ageism in services and exclusion from urban planning decisions
The EU-funded ESFC project proposes practical solutions including digital literacy programs, improved transport accessibility, and senior-led community initiatives.
Download the full report: https://esfc-project.com/resourcesss/
Co-funded by the European Union.