Analysis on survey of core indicators for elderly-friendly cities

Objective To assess pertinent indicators of elderly-friendly city, so as to provide the basis for carrying out the related work. Methods There were 1 500 elderly people aged at and above 60 years old that were surveyed via questionnaires and structured interviews. Results The core indicators:79.8% reported that their neighborhood was convenient for walking; 90.3% reported that bus, underground and taxi in Shanghai were suitable for all types of people (including the physically handicapped, the blind, and the deaf); 94.8% reported that there was no difficulty in the payment of housing; 96.0% reported that the community had good atmosphere of respecting for the elderly; 56.8% participated in community volunteer activities; 6.7% participated in paid work; 53.5% participated in social and cultural activities; 99.7% reported that they could obtain information on health and social services from the community; 71.2% reported that they could obtain services for free or below market price when necessary at home. Some core indicators had obvious differences among different genders, age groups, culture, marital status, household types, income sources and income levels. Supplementary and optional indicators:98.6% thought there should be at least one item of house facilities for home-based care for the aged, while 75.6% thought there should be at least four items. 26.3% reported to have participated in community team activities. 55.2% reported to have participated at least one education or training project during the past one year. 90.5% self-reported of good health conditions. Conclusion There is high coverage of barrier-free facility construction, good atmosphere of respecting for the elderly in the community, wide coverage of home-based care for the aged. The elderly people, to some extent, are involved in community activities and various types of training. However, there are still improvements of participation of the elderly in decision-making of local policies, and of senile transformation of the houses the elderly. At the same time, economic, social, demographical, cultural and other factors should be paid close attention to.