Inclusion of older people in urban public spaces: evaluation and revitalization guidelines based on residential areas in Łódź

Agnieszka Jaszczak; Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka; Marta Śliwa; Kinga Krzesińska vel Rosiak

doi:10.31648/aspal.12020

Published: 2025-12-30

Vol. 24 No. 4 (2025)

Inclusion of older people in urban public spaces: evaluation and revitalization guidelines based on residential areas in Łódź

Agnieszka Jaszczak , Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka , Marta Śliwa , Kinga Krzesińska vel Rosiak

Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.12020

Abstract

Motives: In response to the growing need to adapt urban environments to the requirements of an ageing population, this study examines the quality of the residential environment in selected housing estates in Łódź (Teofilów, Dąbrowa and Karolew).

Aim: The aim was to identify spatial barriers affecting the everyday functioning of older residents and to formulate revitalization guidelines to improve the accessibility and usability of shared spaces.

Results: The findings reveal both strengths and deficiencies of the studied areas, ranging from well-maintained green spaces to neglected pedestrian routes and limited functional accessibility. Particular attention was given to mobility-related needs of older residents and the potential for strengthening their social participation through appropriate spatial design. The proposed guidelines emphasize the potential of these estates to serve as inclusive everyday living environments, where physical quality is aligned with social integration and a sense of place.

Keywords:

inclusion, older people, universal design, public space, Łódź

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Jaszczak, A., Pochodyła-Ducka, E., Śliwa, M., & Krzesińska vel Rosiak, K. (2025). Inclusion of older people in urban public spaces: evaluation and revitalization guidelines based on residential areas in Łódź. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum, 24(4), 569–590. https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.12020

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Agnieszka Jaszczak

agnieszka.jaszczak@uwm.edu.pl

Affiliation:

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland & Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania Poland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Landscape Architecture, Prawochenskiego Street, 17, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Bioeconomy Research Institute, LT-53361 Kaunas, Lithuania

Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka

Affiliation:

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn Poland

Marta Śliwa

Affiliation:

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn Poland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Philosophy

Kinga Krzesińska vel Rosiak

Affiliation:

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn Poland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Landscape Architecture – Graduate