Active Ageing: An Indicator System for Age-Friendly Built Environment in Taiwan Oliver F. Shyr Associate Professor, National Cheng Kung University 19 January NCKU

Ageing as a Global Phenomenon Ageing Society: ageing population > 7% of total population Aged Society: ageing population > 14% of total population Super-aged Society: ageing population > 20% of total population NCKU2 Population aged over 65 Japan S. Korea Taiwan China UK German France USA

Ageing society as a global trend NCKU3 Initiated a series of programs for promoting “health and ageing” and “active ageing”. Published “Global Age- Friendly Cities: A Guide” Population ageing and urbanization will be the key agenda in the 21st Century. The “Global Age-friendly Cities Network” has officially operated and started to admit applications from candidate cities. Taiwan Steps up Taiwan Steps up 9 cities

The Core concept of Age-Friendly cities (AFC) Active ageing is “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age” (Active Ageing: A Policy Framework, WHO, 2002). NCKU4 Age Functional capacity Early Life Growth and development Adult Life Maintaining highest possible level of function Older Age Maintaining independence and preventing disability Rehabilitation and ensuring the quality of life Disability threshold Source:Kalache and Kickbusch, 1997

Age-friendly Collaborating Cities 2007

6 NCKU The Age-Friendly City Project of WHO Age- Friendl y city Housing Civic Participation & Employment Social Participation Community Support & Health Services Communication & Information Respect & Social Inclusion Outdoor Spaces & Buildings Transportation Goal To create a living environment that implementing the idea of active ageing. Eight Domains

NCKU7 super-aged society > 20% Aged Society>14% Ageing Society>7% Taiwan Ageing Map ( ) Current Census Data in Taiwan Source: Ministry of Internal Affair, Taiwan

NCKU8 Age-Friendly City project in Taiwan 2010(Year 1):primary research & establish general indicator 2011(Year 2):Local Implementation

Year 1 satisfaction survey NCKU9 Best area: eastern Taiwan Least satisfied area: central and southern Taiwan Overall satisfaction level Aspects with least satisfaction: Employment (2.8) & communication and information (3.03) &Transportation (3.06) Sample size: 1600

NCKU10 Taipei city New Taipei City Taoyuan HsinChu NanTou Chiayi TaiTung Tainan Kaohsiung Living status Alone w/Spouse 2gen. 3gen. w/rel. nursing home Sample size Year 2: satisfaction survey

Primary Findings Huge difference between cities and counties Urbanization does not necessary mean better physical environment for older people Employment support and service is the domain with least satisfaction. Overall satisfaction towards transportation is low. (including road, Public transports..) older scooter riders NCKU11

Issues: Urban Environment Poor walking environment High scooter ridership Poor public transportation system: low service, few routes Lack of open spaces Lack of facilities (i.e. toilet, bench) NCKU12 scooter Car & scooter car

Issues: Housing Increasing trend of living alone Housing style is very different in city and rural area Prefer living in general housing (ageing-in place) NCKU13 house Apartment/ flat High-rise apartmentbungalow Alone or w/ spouse w/ children w/ grand- children

Issues: Social Inclusion & Respect Lack of communication between generations Ageism Mental isolation NCKU14

Issues: Communications & Information Older population is easily to be the victim of telephone fraud Illegal radio station: selling illegal supplements to older people Difficult to receive prompt information from modern equipments (PC or smart phone) NCKU15

NCKU16 YEAR 2 : Local Implementation

The Pilot City: Chia-Yi City NCKU17

NCKU18 Outdoor spaces and buildings Continuing Installation of Countdown Pedestrian Signals at Intersections Erecting Access-for-All Buildings Housing Installing Emergency Rescue Equipment at Home Improving Elderly Access to Blood Pressure Monitors and Blood Sugar Machines Social participation Encouraging Elderly Participation by Holding Diverse Events Providing Affordable Vehicles for Senior Drop Off/Pick Up Service to Events Respect and social inclusion Organizing Activities to “Promote Respect for the Elderly” Improving Senior-Friendly Services Communication and information Providing Internet Use Providing Inexpensive or Free Computer Courses Community support and health services Enhancing End-of-Life Counseling Service Providing Training Courses for Community Service Workers 3-Year Action Plan

NCKU19 Promoting People Participation Central Gov’t & Experts Local Gov’t & Experts Elderly People NGOs & Private sector Promote & Establish Mechanisms Guidance & Action The Most Important Instructor The Important Supportive Groups

20NCKU Process of People Participation People Participation Collaboration with Local Government Staff Seminars Administration & Coordination Conference Focus Group Interviews Community Meetings Expert Meeting

Strategies Low-cost, big-impact Facilities upgrade based on the need of older people Work in partnerships with private sector: age-friendly shops & pharmacy NCKU21

23NCKU Future Tasks & Expectations 8 cities establishing their own AFC models and local indicators Visions and Strategic Policy for Taiwan AFC Monitoring the action plans and Joining the WHO AFC Network Book & Journal Articles & Keynote Speeches Impleme ntations Policy Research International Cooperation Taipei city New Taipei City Taoyuan HsinChu NanTou Chiayi TaiTung Tainan Kaohsiung Aim: 2013 full implementation in all 22 cities

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