Being Age Friendly

in the Public Realm

Guidelines and Good Practice

1
2
Advisory Group members

Frank Moyan Marie Igoe

Sligo County Council Dublin City Council

Pat Coffey, Bob Hannan, Derek Whyte

Susan McHugh and Liam Walsh Age Friendly Ireland
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

Hosted by Dublin City Council on behalf of the local government network, Age Friendly Ireland is governed by a
Board and advised by a National Implementation and Integration Group comprising senior representatives from
Government Departments and agencies, and from the local authority, HSE, third-level education, not-for-profit
and business sectors.

3
 Foreword
The design and maintenance of a community’s
built environment and public realm can make the
difference between a healthy and active lifestyle,
or one characterised by limited mobility and high
levels of social isolation. The way an area looks and
how safe it feels has a big impact on older people’s
confidence and motivation. When the environment
is attractive and accessible, people of all ages can be
supported to enjoy more active and connected lives. Brendan Kenny
Chair, Age Friendly Ireland
We have set ourselves the goal to make our outdoor
spaces and public realm pleasant, clean, accessible Deputy Chief Executive,
and safe for older people, creating walkable Dublin City Council
communities and age-friendly spaces. This resource
publication brings together many of the key learnings
gathered in this area and will be a valuable source of
information in pointing the way forward.

As people age they spend more time in and close

to their own homes. This means that older people’s
quality of life, and thus their health, can depend on
how age aware or age attuned our public realm is
in supporting people of all ages to participate more
fully in the social, economic, cultural and public
life of their communities. The Age Friendly Towns
programme, which has supported change at the level
Mary Henchy of the town, village and neighbourhood, has shown
Director of Planning and how very practical and low cost and at times ‘no-cost’
Organisational Innovation, interventions, in the area of the public realm, can
make a big difference to the lives of older people.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
County Council I welcome this practical resource document and the
associated programme of training on ‘age friendly
housing and the public realm’ developed by Age
Friendly Ireland. It is through this kind of practical
planning that we will be better placed to meet the
challenges that lie ahead for our older citizens.

4
Contents
Acknowledgements 7
Introduction 9
Background 13
Structure of this Publication 15
Walkability 17
Age Friendly Design Elements
Age Friendly Public Seating 25
Age Friendly Public Toilets 29
Age Friendly Parking 33
Age Friendly Tone Zones 35
Age Friendly Pedestrian Crossings 39
Age Friendly Parks & Green Areas 41
Age Friendly Bins 43
Age Friendly Wayfinding and Signs 45
Age Friendly Bus Stops 47

Conclusion 49

Appendix 1 Age Friendly Checklists 51

Appendix 2 Resource links for Age Friendly Guidance policies 54
Appendix 3 Bibliography of Key resources 55
Appendix 4 List of figures (photos and diagrams) used in report 57

5
6
Acknowledgements
The development of this publication would not have been possible without significant input
from across the local government sector in Ireland. Age Friendly Ireland would like to thank
and acknowledge the many contributors to this report.

We are particularly grateful to Philomena Poole, Chief Executive Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

County Council, who identified the need for such a resource publication. Dublin City Council
who committed to the development of a checklist in their Age Friendly Strategy. Marie Igoe
(DCC Planning Department) who has been a driving force in the development and review
of this document. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council who very kindly hosted the
meetings of the Advisory Group which supported the development of this publication.

The members of the Advisory Group, convened by Age Friendly Ireland, to advise on the
development of this resource document brought their invaluable expertise from a range of
different fields to the process. We would like to formally thank Frank Moyan Sligo County
Council, Maire Igoe Dublin City Council, Pat Coffey, Bob Hannan, Susan McHugh and
Liam Walsh Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and finally, Derek Whyte of
Age Friendly Ireland, who facilitated the process and prepared the draft report.
A combination of literature review, review of Age Friendly Town Plans published by the
participating Age Friendly Alliances, review of the Walkability Audits conducted across the
22 towns that participated in the 2014 Age Friendly Towns programme, workshop meetings
with relevant local authority staff, site visits and stakeholder interviews contributed to the
development of this resource. These site visits were generously hosted by Limerick City,
Louth and Sligo County Councils.

The development of this publication was made possible thanks to funding provided by The
Pfizer Foundation and The Atlantic Philanthropies.

7
8
 Introduction
“ Age Friendliness openly accounts
for older people’s experience of
urban space through ideas of
participation in urban life, through “
notions of spatial justice1

Our aim is to have the emerging field of Age Friendliness fully embraced by architects and designers and to
create urban, age-friendly design practitioners2. As age friendly is a relatively new discipline the consistent
application of age friendly design has yet to be fully embedded in the thinking of those various stakeholders
responsible for the design and maintenance of our public realm. Now, as our knowledge and evidence base
expands, planners, designers and developers have an opportunity to embrace, encourage and support age
friendly policy and design, similar to the current level of engagement with the statutory design codes and policy
documents. It will be easier to be age friendly, and universally designed if we consider the needs of older people
from an initial planning perspective.
Prescriptive, well written and researched documents such as Universal Design Guidelines cover the intricacies
of detailed design and can inform the reader of the technicalities of design. This document, based on the lived
experience of older people, signposts the reader to the fundamentals of age friendly design.
This document aims to share the learnings arising from the Age Friendly Towns programme which supported a
range of positive and practical changes to the public realm, informed by older people. When the public realm is
attractive and accessible, older people and indeed people of all ages can enjoy more active and connected lives.
Practical changes and age friendly led design thinking can help to create environments which provide enhanced
access for all.

1 AN ALTERNATIVE AGE-FRIENDLY © HANDBOOK, Handler S, 2014, Pg. 23

2 AN ALTERNATIVE AGE-FRIENDLY © HANDBOOK, Handler S, 2014 Pg. 15
 FIGURE 1 | A seat with a view, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

FIGURE 2 | A pleasant microclimate, good view, greenery, suitable seat and well maintained bin.

10
Why be Age Friendly in the

“
Public Realm?
The ultimate aim of the Age Friendly Programme is to If you design for the
make Ireland a country in which:
• older people exercise autonomy in relation to the young you exclude
systems, services and decisions which affect them
• there is real respect for older people, and their the old, but if you
contribution to Ireland, and to the communities in
which they live, is fully valued design for the old you “
• older people feel positive, and in control of their own
lives include everyone3
• older people participate fully in community life, and
social isolation is rare
• prejudice and discrimination against older people
does not exist
• older people are supported to live independently for
as long as they wish to The Age Friendly Towns Programme which was
• older people experience excellent quality of life introduced across 22 towns in Ireland in 2013
• better integration of services reduces dependency and 2014, highlighted a number of public realm
and avoidable duplication of costs issues that impact the lives of older people which
• people of all ages feel part of an inclusive, equitable are addressed in this document. Similar issues
society. were found across all the towns, irrespective of
population size or location. It was clear that many
of the same problems exist for older people in
By making our outdoor spaces and public realm Kinsale as they do in Crumlin.
pleasant, clean, accessible and safe for older people
we can create inclusive communities and age-friendly It was also clear that the interventions needed
spaces. could be relatively standardised and if early
intervention was possible, practical and cost
This document can support experts and practitioners effective changes to the public realm could
responsible for the design and maintenance of a benefit all ages, especially older people over
community’s built environment and public realm. 55. The Age Friendly Towns Programme has
Design and maintenance in the context of the public demonstrated how participating stakeholders,
realm can make the difference between a healthy and and particularly local authorities charged with
active lifestyle, or one characterised by limited mobility managing the design and maintenance of the
and high levels of social isolation. public realm, have welcomed and, wherever
Being age friendly in the public realm generally does possible, acted upon the very often practical
not bring with it additional cost, but deliberate design and pragmatic, older adult informed change
changes made with the needs and wants of older related recommendations. The evidence
people in mind can greatly improve older people’s informed recommendations, provided by older
lives, keep older people active and help older people adults through walkability audits and other
to get out and about. methodologies, have helped those responsible for
the design and maintenance of the public realm
Being Age Friendly in the public realm is about small
to prioritise development and maintenance works
design considerations that greatly improve an area for
within existing budgets.
older people. By designing for the old, we include the
young which means that by focusing on older people By being age friendly in the public realm, older
we planning for the needs associated with a changing people are supported to participate within
demographic. The Canadian planner Glenn Millar put social places, to walk their town, village or city,
it simply: to access their park and through this activity
to continue to engage with local shops and 11

3 Glenn Millar, Director of Education and Research, Canadian Urban Development Institute
 businesses and contribute to the local economy. The physical and environmental barriers experienced by older
adults are not always immediately obvious to younger people and can indeed often be introduced as a well-
intentioned but not always effective action.
This document aims to share the ‘on the ground’ learnings of the Age Friendly Towns Programme, which has
shown how very practical changes to our public realm can significantly enhance the quality of life experienced
by older adults.

How do we know the public realm needs to be Age Friendly?

Because we asked!

Focused consultation with older people, older peoples groups and stakeholders managing the design and
maintenance of the public realm facilitated the identification of relevant priorities. Participants were asked
• What works?
• What doesn’t work?
• Why does it not work
• What would you suggest to change this area so that it will work for you?

A number of methodologies, including one-on-one interviews, focus group workshops, walkability audits and
stakeholder interviews were employed across the participating towns to gather the required information from
local older people.

FIGURE 3 | Joining the dots

This image demonstrates how the lived experience can join up the dots in applying our knowledge in a way
that maximises the positive impact on older people.

12
 Background Universal Design
makes things safer,
easier and more
Age Friendly Ireland convenient for
everyone.
Who Are We & What Does Age Friendly Mean?

“
‘Universal Design is the
design and composition
Making cities and counties of an environment so
that it can be accessed,
age-friendly is one of understood and used
to the greatest extent
the most effective policy possible by all people

approaches for responding regardless of their age,

to demographic ageing4
“ size, ability or disability.’
(Centre for Excellence
in Universal Design at
the National Disability
Authority)

In the past, policy relating to older people dealt almost exclusively with Universal Design evolved
health and social care issues, focusing on burden and costs. In recent from Accessible Design,
years, there has been a trend towards seeking to change the world view
a design process that
of ageing and older people. Instead of seeing older people from the point
of view of their care and health needs, people are increasingly seeing the addresses the needs of
potential of the diversity of older people, and highlighting their social, people with disabilities.
economic and cultural contributions to the community. Universal Design goes
The concept of an Age-Friendly City and County comes from an initiative further by recognising that
started in 2006 by the WHO, called the Global Age-friendly Cities there is a wide spectrum of
project. This project started in recognition of the fact that the world human abilities. Everyone,
was gradually becoming older and more urbanised. The WHO brought even the most able-bodied
together representatives of 33 cities in 22 countries, including Ireland person, passes through
(where Dundalk was the Irish participant). It highlighted the need to
childhood, periods of
maximise the health and well-being of the older population in urban
environments. temporary illness, injury
and old age. By designing
The WHO definition of an Age-Friendly city describes a society in which
for this human diversity,
“service providers, public officials, community leaders, faith leaders,
business people and citizens recognize the great diversity among we can create things that
older persons, promote their inclusion and contribution in all areas will be easier for all people
of community life, respect their decisions and lifestyle choices, and to use.
anticipate and respond flexibly to ageing-related needs and preferences”
(WHO 2002 – Policy Framework on Active Ageing)

Including Universal Design early in the design process is more cost-

effective than making alterations retrospectively. By involving citizens
and, where possible, older people in relevant design and planning related
decision making processes development works will be better placed to
take account of the needs associated with an ageing population before
construction. When senior decision-makers in those agencies responsible
for the design and maintenance of our public realm base their work on
the concepts of age-friendliness and universal design we will be better 13

4 World Health Organisation (2002) ‘Policy Framework on Active Ageing’

 placed to support the creation of environments part of the Building Regulations, by the Department
which are cost effective, attractive, accessible and of Housing, Planning, Community and Local
where people of all ages will enjoy more active and Government (DHPCLG), form the backbone of the
connected lives. design of our public realm and contribute to and
enhance all our lives enormously. The constant strive
for excellence through universal design, coupled
with the application of the Building Regulations has
encouraged, supported and constantly improved
design of the public realm and the built environment.
FIGURE 4 | CEUD Logo The authors wish to acknowledge the high level of
relevant and high quality technical guidance that
In Ireland the Centre for Excellence in Universal currently exists, whilst also highlighting the range of
Design (CEUD ) have published a range of technical practical changes that, when introduced, can make a
documents, standards and guidelines to support significant difference to the quality of life enjoyed by
planners and engineers in responding to the needs of older people.
a diverse community profile. Throughout this document, we will also be
The application of the technical guidance provided as encouraging you to link with your local Age Friendly
part of these resources City & County Programme office to explore together
(http://www.universaldesign.ie/useandapply) innovative solutions which complement planning and
will help in creating built environments which suit engineering interventions.
all needs and which enable older people to stay
independent for as long as possible. In effective age
friendly environments local elected representatives
and senior decision-makers in service providing
organisations will base their work on these concepts
of universal design and will ensure that Local Area
Plans and other local authority development plans
incorporate universal design concepts.
These publications, along with the Technical Guidance
Documents that are published, to accompany each

14
Structure of this
Publication
This publication is divided into a number of different
chapters, starting with a chapter on walkability, which is
a highly practical and important component of the age-
friendliness of an area. Design considerations relating to
other more specific aspects of the public realm are then
addressed as part of subsequent chapters.

These subsequent chapters focus on issues that older people

identify as challenges, such as pavements, lack of public seating
toilets and others. Each topic area provides a snapshot of the
issue and sets out the reasons as to why, when the element or
feature is poorly designed or maintained, it can be disabling
for the older adult. Relevant age-friendly solutions are then put
forward.

Who can use this

Publication?
The objective of this publication is to increase awareness of the
specific spatial needs of older people and promote age friendly
design in order to create more walkable communities and age-
friendly spaces, from an early planning stage in a development,
to an analysis of an area for re-generation or re-development.
It is anticipated that these evidence based learnings can help
inform urban designers, architects, engineers, planners, local
authority officials, community groups and developers who
may be involved, in the design and maintenance of our public
realm.
It is hoped that the narrative, bullet points and photograph
examples can be a quick reference guide to the reader’s specific
interest area.
It is expected that this guide will be particularly valuable for
developers at the pre-planning stage while also acting as a
useful in-house resource for various practitioners across the
local authority structure
15
16
 Walkability 4 Design
Considerations for
improving Age
Friendly Walkability
The independence to walk,
“ even short distances, is
paramount to feeling
1 Conduct an Age Friendly
Walkability Audit.
A walkability Audit toolkit
can be downloaded from
www.agefriendlyireland.ie/
involved in a community5 “ walkabilityaudit.

2 Increase the number of age

friendly seats available at
key points along popular
walking routes.
What is Walkability for older people?
Burden (2010) defined walkability as “The extent to which the built 3 Strategically place age
environment is friendly to the presence of people walking, living, friendly parking at locations
shopping, visiting, engaging or spending time in an area”6 near popular age friendly
destinations – for example
The key word in this definition is “friendly” and it is the subjective nature
near post offices or shopping
of the readers understanding of “friendly” which is important to the
centres. This will encourage
understanding of walkability for older people.
older people to walk, even
part of the journey, as they
Walkability in the context of Age Friendly design refers to the ease will know that these key
at which older people can move around an area, building or space. services are easily accessible.
Regardless of age, the walkability of an area affects all persons, however
older people tend to be more aware of and may be challenged by the 4 Consult with utility
barriers to walkability. companies, on the location
of service boxes within
public areas as these can,
Recent studies conducted by Age Friendly Ireland highlighted a number
unbeknownst to the utility
of common issues that reduce the walkability of an area and have a
companies, pose accessibility
negative impact on the lives of older people. The studies highlighted the
issues for older people.
subtle differences between an ‘accessible’ area and a ‘walkable’ area for
older people.

For example, since the early 2000’s many local authorities have
undertaken valuable work making areas and buildings more accessible in
line with the Part M building regulations.

However the Age Friendly Towns Programmes showed that while areas
may be technically accessible, design elements such as proximity of bins
to seats (at least 10 metres), appropriate distance between seats (every
100 metres), more appropriate age friendly seat design (with handles to
assist in both sitting and rising from a seated position), longer pedestrian
crossing times at larger road junctions or the pleasant microclimate of
an area all contribute to the positive walkability of an area and generally
don’t negatively impact the accessibility of an area.
17

5 Walkability Participant, DCU walkability Audi

6 ‘Creating Walkable Communities’, Dan Burden; 2010
Figure 5 | Desire line, Kells Co. Meath

Thoughtful forward planning and careful consideration in relation to spatial location can greatly enhance the
walkability of an area and small changes can mean big differences to older people.
These interventions can be the catalyst for change, some examples follow which highlight these changes.
Kells, Co. Meath. Observational planning and walkability audits will assist in identifying desire lines, which will
allow planners to better understand peoples travel and route preferences, with people of all ages benefitting
from any changes that may be made.

This type of surface can present big challenges

Figure 6 | Desire line indicating pathing requirements
for older people. Considering that this
pavement is within 100 metres of the village
centre, it is clear that a need for a path exists.
Desire lines like this provide a strong indication
of routes the public use, however this finish
will discourage older people from getting out
and about and participating in their wider
community.

18
A perfect example of an
accessible but an un-walkable
area. The walkability audit will
highlight walkability problems.
Tokenistic footpaths with a
combination of bollards and a
visually contrasting pavement,
which may satisfy building and
accessibility regulations, is not
really walkable for older people.
In particular people with a
disability or dementia would
also clearly have a problem.

Figure 7 | Restricted walkable area, Carlow Town, Co Carlow

WALKABILITY CASE STUDY

Carlow Town
Carlow Town undertook its first Walkability Audit in In Carlow an informal de-brief, over lunch in the
July 2014. In its simplest form a walkability audit is a local town hall proved to be successful in allowing
leisurely walk, along popular routes, with participants the participants claim a sense of ownership and
of varying ages, including; young children in buggies, responsibility for improving walkability in their town.
toddlers and mums, older people and also people with While many negative elements relating to the routes
physical and visual disabilities. Carlow Town carried were highlighted, an equal number of positive
out five different walkability routes with five different interventions and examples of areas were identified.
groups, each member in each group representing a
The results were formally presented to the local
different age profile and ability. There were between
authority, which helped inform the key stakeholders
five and seven participants in each group.
responsible for the design and maintenance of
The participants fully collaborated and engaged the public realm, of specific problems and barriers
with the audit by walking and taking notes and that they encountered during the walkability audit.
photographs of problem areas and also highlighting This exchange of findings helped in reaffirming the
positive aspects of the route which could be replicated important role of the public realm in supporting
to improve walkability elsewhere. healthy and active lifestyles among people of all ages.

19
 One particular positive example of improvements to Following implementation of the various changes carried
walkability in the town is where the local authority has out following the 2014 ‘walkability audit’, the Carlow
now agreed to reinstate public seating, in locations Age Friendly Alliance undertook a further walkability
where the seating was previously removed, as the audit in 2015. Pleasingly the 2015 audit produced a
impact on older people was not recognised. much improved walkability rating of the town.
Another positive example was around pedestrian Age Friendly Ireland has developed a very comprehensive
crossing timings. Inadequate crossing times at ‘Walkability Audit Toolkit’ which can be accessed from
pedestrian lights can cause older people to avoid the Age Friendly Ireland website.
walking in areas that require them to cross the road.
This, in turn, may lead to fewer social interactions,
reduce physical activity and poorer quality of life.
Prompted by the findings from the walkability audit
carried out, the local authority agreed to change the
duration of a number of pedestrian light signals at
various crossing points’ in order to provide sufficient
time for older people to cross the road safely.

Walkable area with the provision

Figure 8 | Good walkable area, Carlow Town, Co Carlow
of seating, good traffic segregation
and wide, relatively level
pavements.

The walkability audit can support

Figure 9 | Walkable Area, Town Park, Carlow Town, Co Carlow
meaningful engagement with key user
groups and, most importantly, can offer
very practical, evidence informed feedback
for those various stakeholders responsible
for the design and maintenance of our
public realm.

20
 Sometimes walkable areas can feature elements which
may limit mobility. Here we can see a steep ramp
in the park, near a visually pleasing area that older
people like to visit; however, this ramp is too steep for
the majority of older people and the walkability audit
confirmed how older people will in the main avoid
the area as a result. Just to the right of this photo is a
pedestrian bridge linking the park to the town centre.
The steep ramp, however, prevents many older adults
from accessing this otherwise convenient and useful
Figure 10 | Steep gradient deterrent for older people pedestrian route in and out of the town centre.
Carlow Town

Figure 10 | High quality walkable area, Sligo Town, Co Sligo

Photographic examples above and below of high quality walkable areas in Sligo and Dublin. These areas have
a number of good design elements such as wide, clear pavements, ample seating, good visual perspective and
green sheltered areas.

21
 Planning regulations (exempt) allow for the installation
of service boxes and pillars in public areas, older
people and several innovative local authorities have
identified a potential secondary use for them as a seat
or rest stop.

Figure 12 | High Quality Walkable Area, Dublin Quay,

Dublin City

Sometimes an area can be accessible but un-walkable.

Figure 13 shows us how an older person uses a
disused utility box as a resting point. These utility
boxes exist in every city, town and village. This public
plaza has many of the services and shops regularly
used by older people. It has wide spacious footpaths,
and is clean and well maintained however seating
has historically been poor and its absence has limited
some older people from making regular use of these
essential services.
Figure 13 | Any seat will do - utility box, Crumlin High
Street, Dublin City

Figure 14 shows us how in Dun Laoghaire Town

Centre the local authority used the utility boxes in
a creative way a valuable rest point was established
with minimal cost. The utility boxes are utilised but
protected and a functional seat is provided.

Figure 14 | Adapted seating using utility boxes, Dun

Laoghaire Town

22
 Figure 15 | Pull down seating, Rathgar, Dublin City

Pull Down Seating

This innovative, flexible and temporary approach to seat provision works well in Rathgar.

23
24
 Age Friendly 5 Design
Considerations for

Public Seating
improving Age Friendly
Seating
1 Consider the microclimate of
the area. Wind breeze and

“
strong direct sunlight can
Small scale actions, if sustained, make the seats unusable.
Seats should be provided
accumulate in impact, effect “ where older people want to
sit – ask them!
and reach over time7
2 A well designed seat
needs arm rests and the
seat material needs to be
more accommodating than
cold concrete, preferably
What is it? sustainable timber.
Age Friendly public seating is a seat that specifically accommodates the
physical needs of older people. The Age Friendly Towns programme,
3 Ideally seats should be
introduced across 22 towns in Ireland in the last two years, has shown
that the provision of public seating in appropriate strategic locations
located every 100 metres.
can greatly enhance the quality of life experienced by older people and
can support them to enjoy more active and connected lives. 4 Be aware of positive
The provision of public seating would appear to have deteriorated (birdsong) and negative noise
in recent years. A reduction in funding and strategies to deter anti- (heavy traffic) in the area
social behaviour which have led to the removal of public seating have in which you wish to locate
contributed to the situation. However the lack of public seating can the seat. Seats in very quiet
make a considerable difference between a healthy and active lifestyle areas tend not to work just
amongst our older adults, or lifestyles characterised by limited mobility
as much as seats in very noisy
and high levels of social isolation.
areas. Balance is the key
design element. 60 decibels
Where should it be located? is the upper limit for adult
conversation, seats placed
It is important to note that, the longer the envisaged stay, the more
strategically behind dwarf
careful the individual will choose their resting place. The Four Point
Scale will assist in deciding where best to locate a seat8. walls or raised planters can
slightly reduce the decibel
limit to more accommodating
levels.

5 Try and locate rubbish

bins away from seating,
preferably in excess of 10
metres.

25

7 Handler Pg. 25
8 Four point scale was developed to assess seating quality in conjunction with a 1990 study of
a city quality in the centre of Stockholm.
 Four Point Scale What Older People Like?
In short the four point scale identifies where The design and materials for the seat is crucial and
is best to place seating that is attractive and without a backrest resters don’t stay very long. The
inviting. comfort of seating influences how much it is used and
length of stay.
1 The best place to site seating is where there is a
pleasant microclimate. Design and more specifically balanced design. Often
public seating is designed as plinths, which might
2 The seat should be located at the edge of the
match building blocks in design but not the people
space with your back covered.
who might want to sit on them.
3 A good view.
The structure of the chair. The seat ideally should have
4 Appropriately low noise level to allow a back and arms as this will contribute to comfort if
conversation (where there is no pollution).
people want to stay for a while or for older people
who need support while seated and when sitting and
getting up again.
The seating design also impacts on comfort, as do the
materials, insulation and water repellent properties of
the seats.

Figure 16 | Age Friendly Seating in Crumlin, Dublin City

26
Good examples of public seating • Public Consultation – members of the public, mainly
older people were asked where they would like to
Crumlin village had all public seating removed over
have seats. They were invited to prioritise seating
a number of years. As part of a 2014 Age Friendly
areas by locating places on large maps using pins,
Towns Initiative, a decision was made, after public
the more pins – the higher the priority. This sense
consultation and collaboration, to install two new
of ownership of seat location may be a factor in the
seats. The seats have been a phenomenal success to
success of the installation of the seats.
date and nearly a year later, do not show any signs of
• Microclimate – what is the microclimate of the seat
anti-social behaviour and are well used and strongly
location – is it windy? Well sheltered? Too bright?
welcomed by the older people in Crumlin. The
• Seat Design – seats ideally needed to have an armrest
location of the seats was determined using a number
and back support and to be made of a warm, water
of factors such as:
repellent material

Figure 17 | A seat with a view over the Liffey, near Newbridge – Co Kildare

This seat overlooking the river Liffey in Newbridge gives older people a place to stop and rest. This seat has an
interesting view and invites older people to sit and rest on their journey.

27
 Figure 18 | Sheltered seating – Sligo Town

A good example of sheltered, lingering style seating along a main street, Sligo Town, although it is a little
shaded. The chance of intergenerational conversation occurring at this location is enhanced.

An Innovative idea
and solution!

Seats don’t have to be highly

visible or even have dedicated
space, sometimes a ‘hidden’ seat,
can be in a perfect location along
a route for older people. Ardee, in
County Louth, deliberately recessed
a portion of the wall, to create a
space to fit a seat on a well-used
route into the town This is a very
good example of age friendly
Figure 19 | Recessed seating, Ardee, Co Louth design, in an appropriate location
and extremely functional.

28
 Age Friendly Ways to support Local
Business to provide

Public Toilets Age Friendly Toilets

1 Encourage businesses to
become Age Friendly and

“
to welcome older people
into their premises. Making
As a consequence older toilet facilities available
to people often leads to
people are not highly visible increased business for the
owner.
“
in public and semi-public
2 Promote age awareness
space9 and highlight older
people’s economic
contribution to the
community. The practical
What is it? changes that business
owners can introduce to
Availability of public toilets can be a very significant issue for older
make their business more
people, restricting their access to the public realm. Improvements
in walkability can be nullified by a lack of availability of toilet age friendly should be
facilities. Many local authorities provide public toilets in towns emphasised (such as the
and cities which are welcomed by older people. location, size of toilets,
lighting of corridors and
In recent times shopping centres are providing public toilets and
others)
whilst this is a positive addition, shopping centres can tend to be
located away from town centres. Access to the toilet can often
be via a mixture of escalators, lifts and stairs, which contributes 3 Support those business
to older people being spatially locked in the shopping area. As a owners who engage
result older people can start to view the shopping centre as their with the age friendly
town centre, which removes older people from town streets and philosophy, by highlighting
encourages a car dominated journey to shopping centres. Closely the business through the
aligned to public toilet provision is the provision of age friendly Age Friendly Business
dedicated parking, which is outlined later. Recognition Programme.
Providing dedicated standalone public toilets may not necessarily More information can be
be the answer. Creative solutions to make existing toilets in obtained from
public or semi-public places available might be a better solution. www.agefriendyireland.ie
Supporting and encouraging businesses and public buildings to
make their toilets available can contribute to a solution.

29

9 Kitchin Rob & Law RM The Socio-spatial Construction of (In) Accessible Public Toilets, Urban
Studies 38(2):287-298 · September 2001
 Where should toilet What Older People Like?
facilities be located? Below are some examples of public toilets in public
areas. The photographs demonstrate the difference
Within walking distance of services used by older
between age friendly design and conventional
people, such as the post office, pharmacy, hairdresser
and credit union, and should be easy to access. It is provision of public toilets.
important to have clear signs and access to existing
toilets in public buildings such as libraries, museums,
hotels, banks, local authority buildings and general
business buildings.

This public toilet, in Carlow Town

(population of 22,000) is located
at a highly visible location, a
roundabout serving four roads and
a bus terminus. The toilet whilst,
top of the range, is rarely used due
to its location and extreme visibility
which leads people who use the
facility to feel self-conscious. It is
however easy to service and clean
by the maintenance company.

Figure 20 | Public toilets, - Carlow town, Co Carlow

30

Figure 21 | Public Toilets, Peoples Park, Dun Laoghaire

An Innovative Idea and solution!
Toilets in public buildings that are accessible both from inside and outside can be very convenient for older
people. A balance between the provision and potential abuse of the service needs to be considered prior to the
development. Some public toilets have opening hours, which need to be consistent to maximise use.
These public toilets in the People’s Park (Figure 21) are easily accessible, located in an area frequented by older
people. The maintenance programme is managed by local authority.

Figure 22 | Public Toilets, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

This toilet in Newbridge, Co. Kildare (population 23,000), is slightly less visible but would be much more
popular with users if the doors opened away from the main street, thus affording the user more dignity in
access and egress.

31
32
 Age Friendly 3 Critical Initial
Design Elements
for piloting an Age
Parking Friendly Parking
Initiative
1 Use observational planning

“
to determine the travel

It’s not innovation patterns, destinations

and journey purpose of

that will change anything….it’s “ older people, which often

tend to be repetitive and

a change of mind-set10 regular.

2 Ask older people if they

would like a dedicated
age friendly parking space
What is it? and will they use it. A
Age Friendly Parking is an attempt to provide dedicated parking for destination point (such as
older persons. The findings of the age friendly town’s programme a post office) will be the
show a need for age friendly parking. Providing convenient parking perfect location to get this
spaces near older people’s desired destinations increases accessibility information.
and usage of public and other essential services, for those whose
mobility and walking speed has reduced. Age Friendly parking supports 3 Promote the availability of
older people of reduced mobility to get out and about and lead fuller
the age friendly parking
lives.
space using positive
imagery.

Where should it be located?

In the context of the public realm there is an obvious connection
between walkability, public toilets, public seating and parking. For
example, walkability cannot be improved without the provision of
public toilets and seats, public seats and toilets will not be fully utilised
without improvements in walkability.
Together all of these elements play their part in providing people of
all ages with walkable access to public and other essential services,
recreation and amenities.
When one element is poorly designed maintained or absent, the
environment can be less attractive or accessible, and limit mobility and
diminish the quality of older people’s lives.

33

10 Walkability practitioner, 2014

 What Older People Like? to abuse the initiative, this has greatly improved
the pension day pick up arrangements in Carlow.
In Carlow Town, the post office is a popular and Anecdotal feedback has also shown that trade in
essential destination for older people on pension day. local businesses has improved as a result of increased
However, the lack of any parking within 200 metres activity in the area.
of the post office, coupled with a sloped street,
Based on the success of this pilot, a further eight
contributed to traffic and parking issues. Older people
older peoples parking spaces have been introduced
were being dropped off at various inappropriate
in Carlow. They are at locations frequented by older
locations near the post office by family members.
people and identified by attractive age friendly
There was a high incidence of illegal parking at traffic
parking signs.
lights and obstructions of other road users repeated
at the same time every week which was when older This has proved to be very useful and popular with
people were collecting their pension. There was an older people. Here on Kennedy Street, Carlow, an
unused loading bay beside the post office however unused loading bay has been reserved for older
people generally resisted the temptation to use it as people.
they were concerned about the reaction from the local
The addition of age friendly parking does not need
authority, traffic warden and local business owners.
to be exclusive parking, many examples of mother
The walkability audit highlighted this issue, and and child spaces exist in semi-public car parks, which
a solution was identified. The stakeholders (local operate by the user’s honesty, which could and should
authority, traffic warden and local business) agreed to be extended to include older people. These spaces
permit the use of the loading bay on Friday mornings should not replace universal access spaces but rather
by older people for time limited parking on a pilot complement them. Where paid parking is in place,
basis. Due to an acknowledgement of the needs Age Friendly Parking continues to be chargeable,
of older people and a reluctance by older people unlike accessible spaces.

34

Figure 23 | Age friendly Car Parking Space, Carlow Town

 Age Friendly 6 things to remember
in relation to Age

Tone Zones
Friendly Tone zones
1 Consult older people on
possible locations for the
tone zones.

“ The new tone zone has given

me a new lease of life… “ 2 Place tone zones in different
locations, the zones become
a mini-destination point and
encourage older people to
I feel great!11 be more active. The multiple
placement of tone zones
enhances the opportunities
for multigenerational
What is it? meeting points.

A tone zone is essentially a collection of outdoor gym equipment that

3 Good Tone Zone design
is extremely simple to use by all persons. The idea behind tone zones
will have appropriate age
is to promote exercise and wellbeing.
friendly seating located
nearby.
Where should it be located?
4 Aim to have a covered
Most tone zones are located in an open area such as a park that element of the tone zone as
could become a mini-destination point on a person’s exercise regime. shelter from showers.
Older people have benefitted immensely from the introduction of
tone zones in towns across Ireland in the last number of years and
5 Try to locate tone zones
they are a welcome addition to public realm furniture.
in already walkable and
accessible areas, thereby
reducing the need for
additional infrastructural
costs.

6 Consider encouraging some

intergenerational use,
children will be attracted to
the brightly coloured tone
zone areas. Signs forbidding
underage use are normally
ignored and are generally
unenforceable and not
in keeping with the age
friendly philosophy

35

11 Newbridge Walkability Participant

 What Older People Like? • Spatial location – Can the area be easily accessed
by older persons, for example are the paths in good
Whilst it is acknowledged that the installation of tone condition?
zones are generally for all persons, older persons will • Are there seats provided nearby to allow a rest period
benefit enormously through the introduction of some and, if so, are the seats age friendly?
small design interventions that encourage the use of • If the tone zone is located in a park, is there a covered
tone zones. When considering where to locate the area to retreat from strong sun or rain?
tone zones the following factors could usefully be • Does the area have a clear visual connection to public
borne in mind: areas? Some older people will have reservations about
using a tone zone where there is little or no passive
supervision or visual connection to main thoroughfares.
It was also noted that the equipment be located
together to accommodate people walking in pairs or
groups. In Drogheda each piece was spaced about
100 metres from the next piece and this seem to deter
people from using them.

Figure 24 | Tone Zone, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

This tone zone has many of the key features that will appeal to the older adult with the possible exception of a
covered area, which could also be a goal for the future.
36
Figure 25 | Exercise for all, Ardee, Co Louth

Locating tone zones near children’s play spaces can create the potential of intergenerational meetings and
can foster a sense of place for all. The nearby location of the children’s play area allows for a visual connection
between the tone zone and the playground but also provides a degree of privacy for older people as the
children tend to be more attracted to the playground area.

37
38
 Age Friendly The MOST important
design consideration

Pedestrian
to remember in
relation to Age
Friendly Pedestrian

Crossings
Crossings
1 Timing
Older people need more

“
time to cross – a rough
guide would be double the

I can’t participate in public normally permitted time.

For an average 7 metre

life due to poor access, wide road older people

will need between 20-35
I can’t access any parks, seconds to cross without
undue stress. Older people
the Gardaí station, many “ with a visual impairment or
physical disability will need
public buildings and Church12 more time.

What is it?
The provision of pedestrian crossings can be a source of frustration
and a cause for concern for older people. Older people generally
walk at a slower rate than younger people.13
Pedestrian light settings are often not compatible with older adults’
walking abilities. Based on their usual walking speed, one in three
Irish adults aged 65-74 years and three in five adults aged 75 years
and older walk slower than 1.2 metres per second and therefore
do not have enough time to cross the road in the time provided at
many pedestrian crossings. Not being able to cross the road safely
and comfortably can impact on their everyday experiences, social
engagement, physical activity, functional independence and quality
of life.
When older people get to a pedestrian crossing, their first
instinct can be to rest slightly before continuing on their journey.
Installation of something to lean on, such as leaning posts can be
an advantage here, but more importantly, a longer crossing time
would be welcomed. This is particularly relevant where two roads
are being crossed and a middle stopping point or traffic island is
required.

39
12 Crumlin AFT Plan participant
13 Donoghue O, Kenny RA. Amber Cross Code. Walking speed of middle-aged and older
Irish adults and the implications for pedestrian traffic signals. Dublin: The Irish Longitudinal
Study on Ageing; 2015.
 Where should it be located? What Older People Like?
Desktop research can determine which pedestrian • Pedestrian crossings times that provide enough
crossings are the most relevant or critical to the time for older adults to cross the road safely and
older adult in terms of providing access to key public comfortably.
and other essential services. Observational research • Introduce or trial the installation of leaning posts
and public consultation or creative, engaging close to pedestrian crossings
methodologies, such as the walkability audit, can • Consider providing real time information, such as
assist in identifying pedestrian crossings where older countdown timers at pedestrian crossings that are
people would benefit from a change to the duration both visual and audible
of the pedestrian light signals.
Dublin City Council have increased the number of
timed pedestrian crossings in their operational area
over the last number of years. These crossings are
equipped with countdown timers that count down the
time until the lights change and are designed to show
pedestrians whether they have time to cross safely.
This standard should be what all age friendly places
aspire to as it will give a degree of confidence to older
people when they are crossing a road.

40
 Age Friendly What older people
want

Parks & Green

1 Not all spaces need to be
‘green’, areas for brief rests
can be just as useful for

Areas
older people making their
way around, a small pocket
park paved area with a
seat can be an important
resting place for older

“
people

I like to be close to 2 An interesting and

young people, it “ pleasing visual perspective,
preferably of people.
makes me feel young!14 3 Comfortable, sheltered age
friendly seating

4 A place where they feel

What is it? safe, well lit and clearly
Many towns and villages in Ireland have parks, these parks were visible to the public
provided over the years, and therefore tend to be located in older but sheltered from the
parts of urban areas. The provision of new parks is not a regular elements
occurrence. However, the provision of open space green areas and the
creation of urban pocket parks is where new green space is provided
in today’s built environment.
The Age Friendly Town programme has reaffirmed the importance
and value which older adults attach to having ready access to parks
and green spaces. Consultation carried out as part of this programme
has revealed how good access to well designed and maintained green
spaces and public parks can make a difference to people’s quality of
life and their level of activity and social interaction.
Older persons are more likely to use and benefit from age friendly
green spaces. Small design considerations such as appropriate seating,
well maintained bins, adult gym equipment and parking positively
contribute to older person’s experience.

Where should it be located?

It is the combination of the above elements (seating, bins, tone zones,
walkability and parking) that collectively impact on the usability of a
green space. The design, availability and maintenance of these various
elements can also act either as a lever or a barrier for older adults who
might use this green space.

41

14 Carlow AFT Plan participant

 Green spaces have to be designed to be mindful of popular children’s play spaces is also a locational
all design considerations, particularly universal design design consideration. The best green spaces are
principles. the spaces that attempt to provide a balanced
mixture of seats, bins, tone zones and parking
The supervision of grandchildren can also be a
while acknowledging microclimate, walkability and
requirement for many older people and the location
permeability.
of older people’s spaces at or near playgrounds or

What Older People Like?

Small design considerations can make big differences to older people. Utilisation of underused spaces can be
transformed by the addition of an age friendly seat or a comfortable space to rest and chat.

Figure 26 | A place to stop and rest, Newbridge, Co Kildare

Sometimes, just a place to stop and rest is enough for older people. This pocket park in Newbridge, Co. Kildare
may be small and it is not ideal that the bins are beside the seats but on balance the area works well for older
people and provides a convenient and useful place to rest on the way into town.
42
 Age Friendly Design Considerations
for Age Friendly Bin
Bins Location
1 How often can the bin be
emptied? The regularity

“
of emptying and general

Bins are nearly as maintenance will

determine the success of

important as seats “ the bin location and use.

in this area15 2 Bins should be located

a suitable distance from
seating and resting areas
(at least 10 metres), as in
the summer months, flies,
insects and wasps can be a
What is it? nuisance.
Making our outdoor spaces and public realm
clean accessible and safe for older people, creates 3 Design bins to minimise
walkable communities and age friendly spaces. abuse, such as the size of
Very often practical and low or no cost changes can bin openings.
make a big difference to the experience of older
people. A simple but important example is the 4 Don’t have too many bins,
provision of bins in public spaces. Aim for one bin for every
100 metres to complement
the number of seats.
Where should it be located?
It is acknowledged that a balance needs to be
arrived at in relation to the provision of bins and the
associated abuse of bins that can happen. Removal
of bins might not necessarily be the answer. Passive
supervision and small bin openings can help. The
availability of litter bins has an important role to play
in creating attractive age friendly spaces.
Evidence from the Age Friendly towns programme
suggest that the location of bins can have a
detrimental effect on the usability of an area. Bins
should be located at a reasonable distance from
public seating and in general should not be located
immediately adjacent to public seating. The main
reasons for this are associated with poor smell,
flies, wasps and bees. The Age Friendly Towns
programme revealed that where public seats were
used infrequently, the seats concerned had bins
located nearby (within 1-3 metres).

43

15 DCU walkability participant

 What Older People Like?
The photographs below highlight how an area can be made more attractive and accessible by adopting an age
friendly mind-set in bin design and location in public areas.

Figure 27 | Potato Market, Carlow Town, Co Carlow

Potato Market, Carlow Town - Try and locate bins away from seating areas and try to find a balance between
the number of bins required for an area. Unless an area is very well maintained, bins don’t work beside seats
and the area is generally avoided by older people.

Figure 28 | Good bin location, People Park, Dun Laoghaire, Dun Laogharie Rathdown

This bin located at the entrance to the People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire, is a good example of clean, easy to use
44 and well maintained bins that older people prefer.
 Age Friendly A checklist for Age
Friendly Wayfinding

Wayfinding &
and Signs
1 Locate a strategically
placed base map with

Signs complementary fingerpost

signs in strategic areas.

2 Utilise existing poles for

“
new signs and remove
I have fully embraced the redundant poles and signs.

technology to use apps, yet I’d 3 Remove unlicensed

A-Board style signs and
much prefer to use good old “ street clutter.

fashioned signs16 4 Signs should be simple,

lettering and symbols
should be large with a
distinct colour contrast to
the background.

What is it? 5 Height of signs should be

appropriate.
Age friendly wayfinding is the provision of signage that is suitable for
older people, especially useful in unfamiliar areas. It is essential if older
6 Include time, distance and
people are to be encouraged to engage in the public realm. With so
if relevant gradient icons
much good design and emphasis on the public realm in recent years,
a few additional small changes can make a big difference to the lives on signs.
of older people.

Where should it be located?

The Dublin wayfinding system has been developed for the city but
its principles, based on simple design considerations, can be applied
to all towns and villages. The Age Friendly Towns programme has
demonstrated that time, distance and in some cases gradient icons on
signs can allow older people to determine if the journey is achievable
based on their ability. Older people know their physical limitations and
can make informed decisions if the information is readily available.

45

16 Kinsale AFT Plan participant

 What Older People Like?
Empowering older people to make informed decisions will greatly increase the usability of a public area.
• Signs should be simple, give essential and clear information, lettering and symbols should be large with a distinct
colour contrast to the background (preferably dark lettering on a light background)
• When putting up signs, consider flexibility for future additional signage for new destinations or attractions
• Signs should generally be used for cultural, civic or public event destinations.
• Explicit commercial premises should be precluded from inclusion on signage.
• Remove unlicensed A-Board style signs and street clutter

These wayfinding signs in Dun Laoghaire, allow the walker to determine the extent of their journey in minutes
rather than distances. The principle, simple layout and clear text allows informed choice and encourages active
transport for older people and people of all ages.

Figure 29 | Informative and clear wayfinding signs, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

46
 Age Friendly Design Considerations
for Age Friendly Bus

Bus Stops
Stops
1 Sheltered bus stops with
seating are preferable for

“
older people

I am quite good at judging 2 Leave space for wheelchair

users to park alongside or
the timing of my bus… near the bus stops

I have to be, there is “ 3 Provide real time

information on bus times
nowhere to shelter17 and bus timetables at bus
stops.

4 Be consistent with the

use of colour and contrast
for the shelter and avoid
excessive glass.

What is it? 5 Avoid where possible

standalone bus stops with
Age friendly bus stops provide a safe, sheltered and comfortable
no shelters and/or seating
designated area to wait for the bus.
if possible.

Where should it be located? 6 Passive supervision and

clear lines of sight improve
The location of the stop is a major issue for older people. It is safety as does well lit bus
recommended to position bus stops close to large residential
stops.
areas. Desktop research can identify where significant numbers of
older people reside. Consider common destination points such as
day care centres, post offices and general main street areas that
are frequented regularly by older people.
Feeling safe while waiting for the bus is important to older public
transport users. Passive supervision, which means that there
should be a clear line of sight to the bus stop is of benefit. It is
recommended avoiding locating bus stops and shelters near off-
licences, areas of dense greenery and Bank ATM’s.

47

17 Crumlin AFT Plan participant

 What Older People Like?
The provision of real time information on bus times Where possible, buses should be able to pull in off the
reduces unnecessary waiting, and is really useful in road, and bus stops should have sufficient lighting.
encouraging older people to access the bus service. Adequate shelter and a seat make the bus stop more
Unnecessary waiting can cause distress to older people useable and attractive to people of all ages.
and emerged as a recurring issue throughout the Age
Friendly Towns consultation process.

Figure 30 | Shelter seating while waiting for bus,

Dublin City

Balance – a good example of an appropriate bus stop and shelter suitable for older people. The area is covered
and has a seat, the addition of real time information and handles on the seat would further improve the bus
stop.

48
Conclusion
Successful Age Friendly Cities and Counties aim in their communities, support them to maintain or
to create communities in which older people live rebuild their social networks and therefore, plays a
independent and valued lives. They do this by most important role in supporting older people to stay
undertaking focused, and often very practical more independent for longer and enjoy an enhanced
activities, which aim to fulfil ambitious goals related to quality of life.
each of the WHO age friendly themes.
In particular, the Age Friendly Towns programme
Social connection and feeling part of a network of has reaffirmed the value of involving older people in
family, friends and community is one of the main public planning and decision making related to the
determinants of health and wellbeing. The health ongoing development of the public realm. It has also
risks of poor social integration are comparable with shown how creative and engaging methodologies,
those of smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. such as the walkability audit, have supported those
Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of various stakeholders responsible for the design and
depression and mental health difficulties, as well as maintenance of the public realm to base their work on
cognitive decline. In Age Friendly Cities and Counties the priorities identified by older people and from there
older people are supported by an age friendly public to allocate resources to maximum effect.
realm that can help people of all ages participate more
Whilst clearly not exhaustive all the ideas and actions
fully in the social, economic, cultural and public life of
set out within this document are united by one
their communities.
principle: the voice of older people as the driving force
The Age Friendly Towns programme, which has of age friendly change at local level.
supported meaningful change at the level of the
Committed Age Friendly partner agencies have
town, village and neighbourhood, has shown
developed localised solutions and practical changes
how very practical and low and at times ‘no-cost’
in the area of the public realm which will help people
interventions, in the area of the public realm, can
of all ages to experience a better quality of life.
make a big difference to the lives of older people.
Sometimes the solutions are simpler than you think.
It is often the simple things such as the ability to
safely cross the road in confidence that can provide
older people with enhanced access to critical services

49
50
Appendix 1
Age Friendly Checklists
Age Friendly Seats
Location Yes No
Is the Microclimate suitable, is the seat in a sheltered but shaded area?
Is the view from the seat interesting?
Is the seat area, passively supervised?
Is the seat located in an area that is needed and will be used?
Is the next seat within 100 metres?

Design
Does the seat have a suitable material finish such as timber, plastic etc?
Does the seat have arms to help older people get in and get out of the seat?

Other Concerns
Are bins located further than 3 metres from the seat to protect
the user from odours and insects?

Public Toilets
Location
Is there numerous options for older people to access toilets in the area?
(such as public and semi-public toilets)
Is the public toilet walkable as well as accessible, or easily accessed from the public realm?
Is the public toilet well maintained?
Does the design of the toilet afford privacy to the older person upon entry and exit?

51
 Age Friendly Parking
Location
Is the age friendly parking located near places older people need to get to
(post office, bank, small shops)?
Is the age friendly parking space well sign posted?
Have you consulted older people in relation to identifying the most needed area
for age friendly parking?

Age Friendly Tone Zones

Yes No
Spatial Location of the tone zone - is it in an easily accessible and walkable area
Are age friendly seats provided nearby
Does the area have a clear visual connection to main thoroughfares
and or passively supervised.

Age Friendly Pedestrian Crossings

Are the pedestrian crossings timed to allow for older people to cross without rushing?
s there are resting spots nearby such as leaning posts or seats?
Is there real time information available to let older people know how long
is left before they can cross?

Age Friendly Parks and Green Areas

Is the green space suitable for resting and/or lingering?

Is the space needed - is it a destination or a point on a journey?
Does the space have appreciable views and prospects?
Is the area passively supervised?
Does the area have an appreciable micro-climate?
Are age friendly seats provided?
52
Age Friendly Bins
Are the bins regular emptied/maintained?
Are the bins located at least 10 metres rom seating areas?
Do the number of bins match the number of seats(don’t have too many bins)?

Age Friendly Wayfinding and SignsLocation

Yes No
Is there a base map located at a strategic location?
Are existing poles and signs utilised enough, can you reduce the number of poles?
Do the signs have clear and large lettering?
Do the signs convey the time required to reach destinations?

Age Friendly Bus Stops

Does the bus stop proves a seat and shelter?

Is there space for wheelchair users to park alongside or near the bus stops?
Is real time information and or bus timetables available at the bus stop?
Well-lit bus stops, with passive supervision and clear lines of sight improve safety?
Is the design of the bus shelter consistent in its colour scheme?

53
 Appendix 2
Resource Links for Age
Friendly Guidance Policies

• Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, • Universal Design Guide, Centre for Excellence
Department of Environment, http://www.environ.ie/ in Universal Design, 7 Principles to guide the
en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/ design of environments www.universaldesign.ie/
FileDownLoad,32670,en.pdf (2013) exploreampdiscover/the7principles

• Positive Ageing: The National Positive Ageing • Universal Design Process for the built environment-
Strategy, Department of Health, (2013) - www. various manuals for architects, designers and
dohc.ie/publications/pdf/National_Positive_Ageing_ planners including Universal design for the home:
Strategy_English.pdf?direct=1 great-looking, great-living design for all ages (www.
universaldesign.ie)
• Planning for an Ageing Population: Strategic
Considerations. National Council on Ageing and • Universal Design Process for the built environment-
Older People: Report No 87 (2005) http://www. various manuals for architects, designers and planners
ncaop.ie/publications/research/reports/87_Ageing_ including Universal design for the home: great-
Pop_Str_Cons.pdf looking, great-living design for all ages, abilities, and
circumstances accessed via the link below:
• National Strategy on Dementia, Summary of www.universaldesign.ie/useandapply/
Consultation Process builtenvironment

• www.dohc.ie/publications/pdf/NatStratDemetia_ • Part M – Disabled Access, Building Regulation

SummaryConsultation.pdf (2000)www.environ.ie/en/Publications/
DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/
• Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (2013) FileDownLoad,1655,en.pdf
Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport and
Environment, Community and Local Government. • Planning for an Ageing Population. RTPI (2004)
Chapter 4. www.rtpi.org.uk/media/6341/08-June-2007-Ageing-
Population-Report-Final-edit.pdf
• www.environ.ie/en/Publications/
DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/ • Planning Guidelines: The Department produces
FileDownLoad,32669,en.pdf; a range of guidelines designed to help planning
authorities, An Bord Pleanála, developers and the
• www.transport.ie/uploads/documents/news/ general public and cover a wide range of issues
Design%20Manual%20for%20Urban%20 amongst others, architectural heritage, child
Roads%20and%20Streets.pdf care facilities, landscape, quarries and residential
density. www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/
• Global Age- Friendly Cities – A Guide, World Health PlanningDevelopment/Planning/PlanningGuidance
Organisation (2007) – Provides a checklist who.int/
54 publications/2007/9789241547307_eng.pdf
Appendix 3
Bibliography of Key
Resources
All these documents cover elements of the Urban Form including access, connectivity, open/public spaces
and elements of planning policy in Ireland and the UK:-

• Inclusive Design of Getting Outdoors (IDGO) ‘Design www.nda.ie/cntmgmtnew.nsf/0/

of Streets with Older People in Mind’; EBD4FB92816E8BB480256C830060F761/$File/
www.idgo.ac.uk/design_guidance/streets.htm Building_for_Everyone.pdf

• Sustainable Urban Housing: Design for New • Retail Design Manual (2012);
Apartments, Department of Environment, Heritage www.environ.ie/en/Publications/
and Local Government (2007); DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/
www.environ.ie/en/Publications/ FileDownLoad,30028,en.pdf
DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/
FileDownLoad,15335,en.pdo • Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities: Best
Practice Guidelines for Delivering Homes, Sustaining
• Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities (2007); Communities, Department of the Environment,
www.environ.ie/en/Publications/ Heritage and Local Government (2007)
DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/
FileDownLoad,1979,en.pdf • Lifecycle Planning – see Appendix for Joseph
Rowntree Foundation: Standards for Lifetime Homes
• Lifetime Homes Standards, Design Criteria for Homes and Section 4 for elements of design, layout, space
in the UK; provisions, safety and security through designing
www.lifetimehomes.org.uk/pages/for-professionals. residential communities www.environ.ie/en/
html Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/
FileDownLoad,1979,en.pdf
• Best Practice Urban Design Guide Part 1 & 2 (2009);
www.environ.ie/en/Publications/ • Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable
DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/ Residential Development in Urban Areas (Cities,
FileDownLoad,19216,en.pdf; Towns, Villages) Department of the Environment,
www.environ.ie/en/Publications/ Heritage and Local Government (19) (2009)
DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/ www.environ.ie/en/Publications/
FileDownLoad,19217,en.pdf DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/
FileDownLoad,19164,en.pdf
• Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas
(2009); • Advice Note: Extra Care Housing
www.environ.ie/en/Publications/ www.rtpi.org.uk/knowledge/publications/good-
DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/ practice-notes/gpn-8-extra-care-housing/
FileDownLoad,19164,en.pdf
• Dr Eamon O’Shea, NUI Galway, Patricia Conboy,
• Buildings for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach Policy Officer, NCAOP
(2012); www.dohc.ie/publications/pdf/ageing_pop_str_cons.
55
pdf?direct=1
 • The National Development Plan 2007-2013,
Superseded by Comprehensive Expenditure Report
2012-2014 & Infrastructure and Capital Investment
2012-16: - Medium Term Exchequer Framework.
Published by the Department of Public Expenditure
and Reform;
www.per.gov.ie/reports/) .

• County Development Plans – Themes relating

to social inclusion normally include policies and
objectives for development proposals and older
people.

• Local Development Plans – Themes relating to social

inclusion normally include policies and objectives for
development proposals and older people.

• Land Use and Transportation Planning Checklist (Page

22) via the link below- accessed through Spatial
Planning and National Roads, Guidelines for Planning
Authorities, Department of the Environment,
Community and Local Government (2012)
www.environ.ie/en/Publications/
DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/
FileDownLoad,29322,en.pdf

• Ageing and Disability: (2006) A Discussion Paper

(National Disability Authority and National Council on
Ageing and Older People)
www.nda.ie/Website/NDA/CntMgmtNew.nsf/0/
FBE570D7C6D435C28025710D004594B9/$File/
NDAAgeingandDisabilityDiscussionPaper.pdf

56
Appendix 4
List of Figures used in report
Figure 1 A seat with a view, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
Figure 2 A little bit of everything, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Figure 3 Joining the dots
Figure 4 CEUD Logo
Figure 5 Desire line, Kells, Co Meath
Figure 6 Desire line indicating pathing requirements
Figure 7 Restricted walkable area, Carlow Town, Co Carlow
Figure 8 Good walkable area, Carlow Town, Co Carlow.
Figure 9 Walkable area, Town Park, Carlow Town, Co Carlow
Figure 10 Steep gradient deterrent for older people, Carlow Town
Figure 11 High quality walkable area, Sligo Town, Co Sligo
Figure 12 High quality walkable area, Dublin Quay, Dublin City
Figure 13 Any seat will do - utility box, Crumlin High Street, Dublin City
Figure 14 Adapted seating using utility boxes, Dun Laoghaire Town, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
Figure 15 Pull down seating, Rathgar, Dublin City
Figure 16 Age Friendly Seating in Crumlin, Dublin City
Figure 17 A seat with a view over the Liffey, near Newbridge, Co Kildare
Figure 18 Sheltered seating – Sligo Town, Co Sligo
Figure 19 Recessed seating, Ardee, Co Louth
Figure 20 Public toilet, - Carlow Town, Co Carlow
Figure 21 Public Toilets, Peoples Park, Dun Laoghaire, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.
Figure 22 Public Toilets, Newbridge, Kildare
Figure 23 Age friendly Car Parking Space, Carlow Town
Figure 24 Tone Zone, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
Figure 25 Exercise for all, Ardee, Co Louth
Figure 26 A place to stop and rest, Newbridge, Co Kildare
Figure 27 Potato Market, Carlow Town, Co Carlow
Figure 28 Good bin location, People Park, Dun Laoghaire, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
Figure 29 Informative and clear wayfinding signs, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
Figure 30 Shelter seating while waiting for bus, Dublin City
57
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