Page 65 - JCAU-6-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Age-friendly smart communities in Beijing

Moreno et al., 2021) Embracing these principles ensures age groups (Soja, 2013). Urban planners and community-
that elderly individuals do not forfeit the opportunities based organizations must establish avenues for the elderly
to experience the joys of city life due to aging, thereby population to voice their concerns and navigate the
facilitating a transition toward positive aging. challenges posed by the digital divide. Such facilitation
of integration between the elderly population and smart
The important role of smart technology in improving
the efficiency and flexibility of community life has been lifestyles is pivotal for promoting positive aging (Marston
et al., 2022; Nieboer & Cramm, 2022; Xiang et al., 2021).
well-established (Garau et al., 2016; Marston et al., 2020).
For instance, Neighborhood Watch systems, widely used in 6. Conclusion
the United States and Europe, interconnect sensory devices
and alarm systems across households through a unified This study delved into the evolution and impact of age-
platform. This integration facilitates the swift identification friendly smart communities in China, with a particular
of potential hazards for elderly individuals living alone emphasis on Beijing. Globally, both Eastern and Western
by integrating passive data information with residents’ countries are exhibiting a growing interest in urban
active alarms (Li et al., 2011). Similarly, smart wearable development initiatives aimed at fostering age-friendly
devices can provide real-time monitoring of physiological smart communities (Torku et al., 2021). Our research
and environmental conditions, supporting preventive findings reveal a significant correlation between the spatial
measures to reduce anxiety (Pantelopoulos & Bourbakis, distribution of aging communities in Beijing and the city’s
2010). Furthermore, smart technology enables diverse developmental trajectory, housing market dynamics,
digital participation, enabling individuals unable to attend building age, and availability of public service facilities.
community gatherings due to physical reasons to participate Notably, while the Third Ring Road harbors a larger
in discussions remotely from their homes (Kitchin, 2014). concentration of elderly residents, the proportion of the
elderly population outside this area surpasses that within
Despite the manifold benefits of smart technology, it. These insights hold profound implications for urban
it poses challenges to the elderly population, including planners and policymakers, underscoring the imperative
additional learning burdens and technological barriers, of tailoring community resources and infrastructure to
thereby raising concerns about digital inclusion (Buffel cater to the aging population.
& Phillipson, 2018; Rémillard-Boilard et al., 2021). Given This study underscores the potential of high-resolution
the complex user interfaces of digital tools, the elderly data in providing actionable insights for the development
population may need assistance to effectively utilize them of age-friendly smart communities. Our results reveal
for purposes such as public health surveillance, package that although efforts to pilot and develop age-friendly
delivery, or ride-hailing services (Liu et al., 2021). While smart communities are underway in China, there is a
this article underscores the significance of technology in pressing need for localized research focusing on the
improving community life, it is important to acknowledge elderly population. Disseminating such research can raise
that the essence of a community lies in the interplay residents’ awareness of the local elderly demographic and
between its social and material dimensions. Furthermore, stimulate action among relevant industries (Fitzgerald
a crucial challenge lies in fostering collaboration among & Caro, 2014). Given the intricacies of administrative
community technology, social dynamics, and material procedures and governance processes, inclusive tools are
elements, especially considering that elderly residents needed to facilitate the proactive involvement of the elderly
often possess a deeper understanding of community population in community governance (Steels, 2015). Our
enhancements stemming from traditional social and analysis guides governmental and corporate stakeholders
material transformations (Fitzgerald & Caro, 2014; in Beijing, aiding in the selection of pilot communities
Pasandideh et al., 2022). Therefore, the integration of as benchmarks for other cities grappling with similar
technology must account for the spatial and social fabric demographic shifts. This research paves the way for further
of aging communities, with particular emphasis on how exploration of aging populations in urban settings and the
the elderly population engages with smart applications role of smart communities in addressing their needs. By
(Afzalan et al., 2017). doing so, cities can foster more inclusive, equitable, and
Future strategies should address digital divides through sustainable communities across all age groups.
public education and guidance to ensure the inclusive
adoption of smart community initiatives across all age Acknowledgments
groups (Coe et al., 2001). Upgrading community services We thank the Technology Innovation Center for Smart
and facilities should aim to guarantee equitable access for Human Settlements and Spatial Planning, and Governance
elderly populations to various activities available to other MNR for their support.

Volume 6 Issue 3 (2024) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1754