Victoria University of Wellington Advances Age-Friendly Urban Research

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has released a detailed observational study examining how older adults interact with public spaces in Wellington’s city centre. The research, led by PhD candidate Sadiq R. Younes alongside supervisors Bruno Marques and Jacqueline McIntosh from the Wellington School of Architecture, provides fresh insights into activity patterns, social engagement, and environmental factors that influence well-being for seniors in urban settings.

The study systematically observed older adults across three prominent public spaces, capturing data on movement, social interactions, and use of amenities. Findings highlight opportunities to enhance age-friendly design, supporting healthier, more inclusive communities as New Zealand’s population ages.

Context of Population Ageing in New Zealand

New Zealand faces a rapidly ageing population, with Statistics New Zealand projecting that one in four people will be aged 65 or older by 2048. This demographic shift places pressure on urban planners, local councils, and health services to create environments that support independence and quality of life for older residents.

Urban public spaces play a critical role in physical activity, social connection, and mental health. The Victoria University of Wellington research directly addresses gaps in understanding how seniors actually use these spaces, moving beyond surveys to real-time behavioural mapping.

Details of the Observational Study

Researchers conducted systematic observations in three central Wellington locations, recording activities such as walking, sitting, conversing, and exercising. The methodology combined structured observation protocols with mapping techniques to document duration, frequency, and group dynamics.

Key observations included preferences for shaded seating, proximity to amenities like toilets and cafes, and the importance of safe pedestrian crossings. The study also noted variations by time of day and weather, offering practical data for design interventions.

Results indicate that well-designed public spaces encourage prolonged visits and intergenerational mixing, contributing to reduced isolation and improved physical health outcomes.

Implications for Higher Education and Research

This publication underscores the strength of Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation in producing applied, community-relevant research. It aligns with national priorities around healthy ageing and sustainable urban development, areas where New Zealand universities are increasingly contributing expertise.

The work supports interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture, public health, and social sciences—fields that frequently intersect in higher education programmes. Academics and postgraduate students can draw on the methodology for future studies in other cities or demographic groups.

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Broader Impacts on Urban Planning and Policy

Local government bodies such as Wellington City Council can apply the findings to refine age-friendly city strategies. Recommendations emerging from the study emphasise accessible seating, clear wayfinding, and green elements that encourage lingering and socialising.

At a national level, the research contributes to discussions around the Ageing Well National Science Challenge and Ministry of Social Development initiatives focused on liveable communities. Evidence-based design helps councils allocate resources more effectively for public space upgrades.

Expert Perspectives from the Research Team

Lead researcher Sadiq R. Younes emphasised the value of direct observation over self-reported data, noting that behavioural patterns often reveal subtle barriers invisible in questionnaires. Supervisors Bruno Marques and Jacqueline McIntosh highlighted the study’s contribution to the growing body of work on age-friendly environments in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The team’s approach demonstrates how university research can translate into tangible community benefits, reinforcing the role of higher education institutions as partners in public policy development.

Related Research from Victoria University of Wellington

The observational study builds on an earlier review paper by the same authors titled “Public Spaces for Older People: A Review of the Relationship between Public Space to Quality of Life,” published in Sustainability. That work synthesised international literature and identified knowledge gaps specific to New Zealand contexts.

Together, the two publications provide a robust foundation for ongoing research into how urban design influences older adults’ daily lives.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

As New Zealand continues to urbanise and age, demand for specialised research in age-friendly design will grow. Victoria University of Wellington is well positioned to lead further studies, potentially expanding observations to other regions or incorporating emerging technologies such as wearable sensors for activity tracking.

Opportunities exist for collaboration with other New Zealand universities, local iwi, and international partners through programmes like the Ageing Well National Science Challenge. Such partnerships strengthen the higher education sector’s contribution to national well-being goals.

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Actionable Insights for Stakeholders

Urban planners and architects can prioritise features identified in the study, such as varied seating options and sheltered areas. Community organisations may use the findings to advocate for targeted improvements in public spaces frequented by seniors.

For academics and students, the research offers a replicable model for observational studies and highlights career pathways in applied urban research. University administrators can reference the work when promoting research impact and community engagement initiatives.

Conclusion

The Victoria University of Wellington observational study on older adults in urban public spaces marks a significant contribution to New Zealand’s higher education research landscape. By combining rigorous methodology with practical relevance, it advances understanding of age-friendly design and supports evidence-based decision-making at local and national levels. As the country navigates demographic change, such university-led research will remain essential for building inclusive, vibrant communities.