Walkable communities to help reduce looming loneliness

He says “If the elderly person is embedded in a welcoming and walkable neighbourhood, enough social interaction might be initiated to stave off loneliness.”

“We can’t simply hope that the 85-plus cohort of tomorrow will simply stay connected to friends and family via the metaverse or whatever digital technology will be on offer.” Says Kuestenmacher. “People need real-life interactions on a regular basis to stay mentally active, healthy, and happy.”

“Our sprawled-out cities, our car-dependent residential neighbourhoods all but guarantee loneliness. We need to learn from Mediterranean cities and create walkable suburbs – and throw in a few small urban squares while we’re at it.”