A importância das cidades amigas da pessoa idosa na promoção da inclusão social: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging is a significant phenomenon of our time, bringing social, economic, and especially public health challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a country is considered aged when 14% of its population is 65 years or older. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) projects that by 2060, Brazil will have 73 million elderly individuals. This demographic transition requires effective public policies aimed at promoting quality of life, autonomy, and social inclusion for older adults. The WHO advocates for the strengthening of Long-Term Care (LTC) with the goal of mitigating functional deficits through actions involving both formal and informal caregivers in home, community, and institutional settings. In this context, the concept of an Age-Friendly City stands out. It promotes urban environments that are accessible, safe, and inclusive, encouraging active aging and benefiting all age groups. Objective: To investigate the impact of age-friendly cities on social inclusion, with emphasis on the promotion of functionality and the importance of public policies. Methodology: Narrative literature review with searches conducted in the PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases between January and March 2025. The following descriptors were used: age-friendly, older person, ageing in place, community, and city. Studies included were published in English within the last five years and designed as systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials, or experimental studies. Undergraduate theses, case studies, dissertations, and doctoral theses were excluded. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that AFCC positively influence autonomy, mobility, and social inclusion among older adults. Accessible transportation, adapted housing, and inclusive public spaces were identified as key factors for promoting active aging. However, challenges such as social inequality, digital exclusion, and the implementation of sustainable public policies persist. Conclusion: It is concluded that Age-Friendly Cities and Communities represent a global strategy to ensure the right to dignified, autonomous, and community- integrated aging, reinforcing the importance of intersectoral public policies and urban planning that promote equity and social participation.