AGE FRIENDLY STREETS FOR ELDERLY POPULATION IN URBAN VILLAGES OF DELHI

Abstract

Streets are the primary unit of city experience. In Indian context street plays a very important role as streets as streets are core component of the community structure in Indian neighbourhoods. After rigorous urban development of Delhi open spaces have become difficult to come by and even if they are available, they are not complemented by the quality of streets. So in most cases Streets become the primary open spaces for people. Making streets more comfortable specifically for elderly in urban villages have not been looked up to till now. Streets in Urban villages are ill managed and have no regulations extensively followed for encroachment and parking. Due to the informal and abrasive condition of streets they have become less and less approachable & usable by elderly to interact. This lack of interaction is leading up to loneliness and other mental distress factors. Research Study concentrates on identifying the factors that affect the street experience positively or negatively for elders. The activity mapping of street and its usage by the elderly people and to identify the activity hotspots for interactions of elderly. To establish the relationship between psychology of spaces and physical feasibility of elderly people to come up with strategies to improve upon street design. Methods used for data collection are Survey questionnaire filled while asking questions to elderly for basic activities done outside through the day. Direct observation and activity mapping was done to keep the activity landmarks and behavioural observation and data recording of interaction, seating postures, seating locations and duration of activity data. Analytical tools which are used for the study are correlation analysis & variance analysis to find the trends & comfort zone for seating postures and walking distances. Conclusion for the study are the guidelines for improvement of street to help elderly people utilize the street for their daily activities and comfort efficiently. Provision of services which encourage the activity of elderly in street for physical and mental health improvements as well as their social value encouragement. Strategies are provided in phase development model as urban villages have limitation for big scale interventions