Spatial planning in the context of demographic change – the needs of older people in the light of the literature and legal regulations
1
Department of Integrated Geodesy and Cartography, AGH University of Krakow
Submission date: 2026-04-02
Final revision date: 2026-06-16
Acceptance date: 2026-06-16
Publication date: 2026-07-03
Corresponding author
Joanna Pałubska
Department of Integrated Geodesy and Cartography, Akademia Górniczo - Hutnicza im. Stanisława Staszica w Krakowie, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
Department of Integrated Geodesy and Cartography, Akademia Górniczo - Hutnicza im. Stanisława Staszica w Krakowie, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
Geomatics, Landmanagement and Landscape 2026;(2)
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The current demographic changes, including the growing proportion of older people in the population, call for spatial planning policies that ensure the accessibility and functionality of public spaces for this demographic group. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for creating age-friendly cities emphasise the need to consider long-term demographic processes in spatial planning. The existing approach, focused on development and meeting the current housing demand, should be complemented by consideration of future population size, migration and age structure changes. Projected population decline and an increasing proportion of older people imply the need to redefine the directions of spatial development, and to adapt infrastructure and urban functions to theis new reality. This paper synthesises existing research on spatial planning with regard to the needs of older people, as well as on an analysis of national legal regulations relating to spatial planning in this area. The addressed issues carry significant importance in the context of projected demographic changes, as well as the need to shape spaces that promote social integration and improve the quality of life for older people. This article’s findings point to the need to refine planning tools and strengthen legal provisions in the area under analysis. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature by analysing ageing societies and its implications for spatial planning initiatives, including the accessibility of services, the quality of public spaces, the distribution of social infrastructure, and architectural solutions tailored to the needs of older people.
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