ABSTRACT
This chapter reports on one aspect of the preliminary findings of a research project investigating the most effective ways of ensuring that the neighbourhood environment is designed inclusively to improve the quality of life of older people. There is currently a drive within many countries to focus on the quality of public spaces. Additionally, designing the external environment such that people can continue to live in their own homes, particularly if they acquire an impairment or are older, is important. Participants stressed the need for local facilities that were within easy walking distance of home (such as green space, a local shop, the doctor), particularly as car driving became more difficult with increasing age. Sir Stuart Lipton makes the point that public space is “our open air living room, our outdoor leisure centre”, and the planning, design and management of this space is crucial.
