Elderly and public spaces : why do some prefer civic initiated public spaces over government initiated public spaces for the elderly?

Abstract

Despite the provision of government initiated public spaces for the elderly, some elderly prefer to congregate and engage in leisure activities in civic initiated public spaces instead. Using qualitative research techniques, this paper seeks to find out why the elderly prefer to congregate and engage in leisure activities in civic initiated public spaces and contribute to existing literature through the data collected. The paper has identified four main reasons behind this phenomenon: a) it is a space that matches and suits their needs b) health c) social bonds and d) design. However, social bonds have been highlighted as the most significant factor that continues to draw the elderly back to civic initiated public spaces over government initiated public spaces for the elderly. The paper also highlights the need for the elderly needs to be recognised by urban planners in their planning of appropriate public spaces for the elderly.