Mobility, autonomy, and public space: older adults’ perceptions in Peñalolén, Chile

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between older adults’ perceptions of public space and mobility practices in three neighborhoods of Peñalolén, Chile. In the context of population aging, more accessible and inclusive urban environments are needed to ensure the autonomy of older adults. Using a mixed--methods approach, key perceptions influencing mobility decisions and experiences were identified: the deterioration of infrastructure, especially sidewalks, is a major barrier to autonomy; proximity to local services is valued; and the distance to healthcare centers increases dependence on private transportation. The study concludes that the neighborhood scale is essential to promote active aging in the household, with local opportunities and public spaces that foster well- -being and autonomy in old age.

Keywords:
older adults; mobility; public space; active aging; neighborhoods

Resumen

Este artículo analiza la relación entre percepciones del espacio público y prácticas de movilidad de personas mayores en tres barrios de Peñalolén, Chile. Ante el envejecimiento demográfico, se requieren entornos urbanos más accesibles e inclusivos, que garanticen la autonomía de la población mayor. Con metodología mixta, se identifican percepciones clave que influyen en decisiones y experiencias de movilidad: el deterioro de infraestructura, especialmente las aceras, es una barrera clave para la autonomía; la proximidad a servicios locales es valorada y la distancia a centros de salud genera dependencia del transporte privado. Se concluye que la escala barrial es central para promover envejecimiento activo en el lugar, con oportunidades locales y espacios públicos que promuevan bienestar y autonomía en la vejez.

Palabras clave:
personas mayores; movilidad; espacio público; envejecimiento activo; barrios

Introduction

Demographic aging represents a global phenomenon with critical implications for urban environments. According to United Nations projections (2022), the proportion of the global population aged 65 and over is expected to increase from 10% in 2022 to 16% by 2050, with particularly accelerated trends observed in Latin America and the Caribbean, where this demographic will reach 18.8%. Chile exemplifies this trajectory and is among the countries in the region experiencing the most rapid aging process: estimates from the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (INE, 2018) indicate that by 2050, 25% of its population will be over 65 years old. This scenario necessitates a reevaluation of urban structures and spaces, considering the specific challenges faced by older adults in maintaining mobility and autonomy, including the deterioration of physical and cognitive capacities, the need for adapted infrastructure, and increased risks of social exclusion (Vecchio & Ladrón de Guevara, 2024).

Although 75% of older adults in Chile maintain autonomy (Ibáñez & Trello, 2017), their interaction with the urban environment is constrained by spaces designed without consideration of their specific needs, often generating dependency on others. The UC Aging Observatory (2023) identifies that dependency can affect multiple areas, such as health deterioration. Furthermore, perceived quality of life may decline, exacerbating the negative impact of chronic diseases and leading to reduced participation of older adults in their urban surroundings. These factors can increase social exclusion and isolation, negatively affecting both physical and mental health (Vecchio & Ladrón de Guevara, 2024). Dependence on others is one of the main concerns among older adults (Caja Los Andes & UC, 2022). Despite the threats to their autonomy, this age group plays key roles in society: 67% participate in social organizations, and 65% of workers over the age of 65 continue working by choice (Ralston, 2020). These dynamics underscore the urgency of rethinking public spaces to promote active aging in place (Cano Gutiérrez & Sánchez-González, 2019). In this context, the neighborhood emerges as the optimal spatial unit to ensure accessibility, proximity to services, and community cohesion (Vecchio et al., 2020; 2025).

Urban structures and public spaces can significantly influence the ability of older adults to autonomously carry out various daily activities. Firstly, the limited availability of relevant opportunities at the local scale necessitates traveling longer distances to access basic services such as healthcare centers, thereby increasing competition for scarce or unevenly distributed resources (Moreno, 2022). Additionally, mobility and accessibility challenges can generate specific forms of (inter)dependence among older adults and between them and individuals from other age groups (Ramírez, 2023). Although the characteristics of urban settlements in Latin America require an understanding of the relationship between built urban environments and health among the older population that is sensitive to the particularities of each local context (Hernández et al., 2010), the quality of public spaces frequently emerges as a determinant of whether older adults can walk and do so safely (Cárdenas Pérez, 2023).

The physical condition and design of public spaces can generate conflicts in user experiences, resulting in either positive or negative perceptions that, in turn, encourage or discourage walking in public areas. Herrmann--Lunecke et al. (2022) highlight the diverse perceptions that older adults have regarding their neighborhoods and public spaces, noting, for example, how negative features of the built environment can increase feelings of isolation, whereas community spaces contribute positively to neighborhood life and promote walking. The quality of public space is a significant challenge in Chile, particularly in its capital, Santiago. For instance, not a single municipality in the Metropolitan Region of Chile meets the national standard that requires 100% of sidewalks to be in good condition (Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos, 2018).

Building upon this background, the article aims to analyze the influence of public space conditions on the mobility of older adults residing in various neighborhoods of Santiago, Chile. To this end, we examine the use and perception of urban spaces in selected neighborhoods undergoing demographic aging in the municipality of Peñalolén. The analysis further seeks to characterize the quality and usage of public spaces within these neighborhoods, identify the routes commonly used by older adults, and assess their perceptions regarding their experiences of public space and mobility within their local environments.

Aging in place

Addressing population aging requires linking this social phenomenon to its spatial dimension. This approach is embodied in the concept of active aging in place, defined as the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security to enhance quality of life as people age (Cano Gutiérrez & Sánchez--González, 2019). Within this framework, the relationship between older adults and their neighborhood environment becomes especially relevant, as it fosters a sense of territorial belonging (Cárdenas Pérez, 2023). Iecovich (2014) argues for the importance of fostering creative societies that design inclusive transportation systems, housing, care services, and public spaces, taking into account the functional diversity of the entire population, not just healthy individuals. Furthermore, displacement of older adults from their habitual residences is associated with increased social and political costs. In contrast, remaining in familiar environments reinforces family bonds, promotes autonomy, and preserves social support networks, regardless of age, income level, or individual abilities, thereby contributing to improved quality of life.

In Latin American, most older adults do not relocate after retirement; instead, they remain in their original homes and neighborhoods for as long as their autonomy allows, while voluntary migration to other locations involves only a small proportion of the elderly population (Vecchio et al., 2023). In this regard, the neighborhood becomes the everyday setting for social interaction, shaped by physical proximity and accessible activity ranges. Thus, the neighborhood environment serves as a privileged analytical framework for understanding the comprehensive development of older adults. Indeed, neighborhoods with adequate mobility conditions – such as short distances to shops, health centers, parks, and other services – can strengthen older adults’ autonomy and their connection to their surroundings (Vecchio et al., 2020). The ability to move about and walk outside the home promotes active aging in place, thereby supporting the well-being of older adults. Elements such as urban morphology, distances, and the physical characteristics of space directly influence the everyday experiences of older people (Ralston, 2020).

The neighborhood scale enables a detailed understanding of the environmental, social, and economic factors that affect the well-being and behavior of this age group. Moreover, this scale energizes and reinforces the structural axes of a sustainable city. Focusing on the neighborhood level also allows for a closer examination of public space and its quality. In this context, regulatory instruments such as the General Urbanism and Construction Ordinance (MINVU, 2020) have, since 2019, incorporated technical standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of sidewalks, curb ramps, and streets. These regulations aim to advance toward a more inclusive city compatible with diverse mobility practices. The standardization of universal accessibility constitutes a key resource for harmonizing the components of urban infrastructure. According to Cereceda--Otárola and Yáñez-Pereira (2024), these standards promote a cohesive vision of the built environment, grounded in legal frameworks, technical guidelines, and the joint commitment of political, technical, academic, business, and social actors, with the objective of overcoming barriers faced by older adults, individuals with disabilities, or those with reduced mobility in Chile.

Beyond the objective conditions of public space and the availability of certain opportunities, the perception of its quality and available accessibility is a crucial element influencing the mobility experiences of older adults. These factors include the availability of local opportunities and the neighborhood's ability to respond to their needs and preferences, as well as the perceived quality of transport and the built environment an element that critically affects pedestrian access to various opportunities and modes of transportation (Akhavan & Vecchio, 2018). The perception of the environment among older adults differs significantly from that of other age groups, introducing requirements that should be considered when designing and improving public spaces. Older adults interact with their physical and social environment seeking a balance between their capacities (which become progressively limited with age) and the demands of the environment (Sánchez González, 2015).

The quality of public space directly affects the perception of safety among older adults as they navigate their environment. Insecurity, according to Herrmann-Lunecke, Figueroa-Martínez, and Parra-Huerta (2022), is associated with risks such as falls caused by deteriorated sidewalks or accidents resulting from conflicts between different modes of mobility. Such situations may lead to avoidance of certain spaces, resulting in reduced physical activity. This issue is particularly relevant, as the elements most negatively rated by older adults in their environment are precisely those that hinder safe and accessible mobility: the condition of sidewalks and streets, followed by the quality of plazas, parks, and public spaces dedicated to sports (Ibáñez & Tello, 2017). These elements not only condition everyday mobility but also impact opportunities for contact with nature, social interaction, and physical activity.

Methodology

Case study

The study focuses on the commune of Peñalolén (Figure 1), located in the south-eastern sector of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile. This commune contains diverse neighborhood typologies that exhibit high levels of representativeness and distinct differences between one another, characterized by a predominance of residential land use.

Figure 1
– Contextual location map and map of the commune of Peñalolén

Most of these neighborhoods were developed between 1973 and 1990, a period of particular interest for this study.

A sustained process of population aging is observed in the study area. Over the last two decades, the number of people aged 65 and over has doubled, rising from 12,034 in 2002 to 24,922 in 2017, and reaching 31,555 in 2024. By 2024, the population aged 65 or older represented 13.3% of the communal total, aligning with the aging trends observed at both national and global levels ((Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas, 2025).

The elderly population of Peñalolén can be characterized based on data from the 2017 Census, which are currently available at the city block level. In terms of sex composition, the female population shows a significantly higher proportion: 58.6% of older adults are women, compared to 41.4% men (Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos, 2018). Within the commune, the elderly population is primarily concentrated in sectors adjacent to Grecia Avenue and in the area located along the south-western boundaries of the commune (Image 2). For the purposes of this analysis, and given the focus on public space, the area dominated by gated communities is excluded, as these represent restricted-access spaces with less relevance in terms of community interaction in open spaces.

Figure 2
– Aging Neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile

Neighborhoods located in the quartile with the highest proportion of the aging population were selected within the commune of Peñalolén. Furthermore, areas representing different neighborhood typologies were considered, taking into account variables such as proximity to services, provision of urban facilities, and accessibility to local opportunities. The selection of case studies also adhered to convenience criteria and institutional collaboration with the Municipality of Peñalolén, allowing the analysis to focus on three specific neighborhoods: Lo Hermida, El Estanque, and Villa Letelier (Image 3).

Figure 3
– Neighborhood Profiles in Peñalolén: Lo Hermida, Villa Letelier, and El Estanque (San Tadeo)

Methods

The research implemented a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. First, fieldwork was conducted to collect primary data regarding the characterization criteria for public space quality and the activities generated within it, based on Gehl’s methodology (2022). This involved metric and photographic surveys, along with direct observation, to objectively assess the space. Subsequently, the data collected was used for virtual modeling, digitally reconstructing physical characteristics and spatial environments.

To parameterize the decisive variables for designing high-quality public spaces sensitive to the needs of older adults, a literature review was conducted as a preliminary study and as a tool for public space evaluation. Once the review was completed, technical parameters for evaluation were established from the perspective of urban infrastructure quality, based on the World Health Organization (2007) and Pozo Menéndez (2020). The following elements were evaluated: connectivity, accessibility, signage, transportation, urban elements and furniture, and finally, vegetation and green spaces. Lastly, the evaluation matrix was characterized, and on-site surveys were conducted – including both observation and graphic evidence – which were assessed through expert opinion with qualitative results for each selected neighborhood. These variables (connectivity, accessibility, signage, transport, urban furniture, and green spaces) are specified in Vargas (2025).

Complementing the physical study, a social study was conducted. A survey linked to the research project was administered to analyze neighborhoods with the highest elderly populations in Santiago, considering their access to transportation and generating urban profiles aimed at fostering an active city for older adults.

As a territorial engagement strategy, the Municipality of Peñalolén was contacted, providing a link to local senior citizen clubs. These clubs identified 10 representatives who, through sampling, recruited the participants. Older adults participated in the survey regardless of age or gender; however, most respondents were women, as they showed higher rates of engagement and willingness to participate.

The survey technique addressed aspects related to the mobility of older adults, allowing for the representation of neighborhood dynamics and behaviors regarding personal mobility – specifically, activity destinations visited during a one-week period. The sample from the study area included the profiles of 23 females, 3 males, and 1 person who preferred not to specify. Data was collected randomly by key informants within the clubs of each neighborhood between September and October 2023.

Characterization of the sample

The survey participants were drawn from the three neighborhoods under analysis (Chart 1): 8 from the El Estanque/San Tadeo neighborhood, 10 from Villa Letelier, and 9 from Lo Hermida. Regarding gender distribution, 85.2% of the respondents are women and 11.11% are men. The sample is predominantly composed of the "fourth age" group; specifically, 66.66% are between 70 and 79 years old, 29.6% are between 80 and 89, and the remainder falls within the 65-69 age range. In terms of marital status, 37.04% of the participants are married, 11.11% are single, and 51.85% are widowed.

Chart 1
– Participant profiles

Participant number	Gender	Neighborhood	Age	Marital status	Occupation
1	Female	Lo Hermida	78	Married	Retired/Pensioner
2	Female	Lo Hermida	85	Single	Retired/Pensioner
3	Female	Lo Hermida	85	Single	Retired/Pensioner
4	Female	Lo Hermida	82	Married	Retired/Pensioner
5	Female	Lo Hermida	74	Married	Retired/Pensioner
6	Female	Lo Hermida	77	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
7	Female	Lo Hermida	88	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
8	Female	Lo Hermida	85	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
9	Female	Lo Hermida	84	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
10	Female	Villa Letelier	77	Single	Retired/Pensioner
11	Male	Villa Letelier	66	Married	Retired/Pensioner
12	Female	Villa Letelier	82	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
13	Female	Villa Letelier	76	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
14	Female	Villa Letelier	73	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
15	Female	Villa Letelier	77	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
16	Female	Villa Letelier	73	Married	Retired/Pensioner
17	Female	Villa Letelier	77	Married	Retired/Pensioner
18	Female	Villa Letelier	76	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
19	Female	Villa Letelier	78	Married	Retired/Pensioner
20	Female	El Estanque	83	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
21	Female	El Estanque	71	Married	Retired/Pensioner
22	Female	El Estanque	79	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
23	Female	El Estanque	73	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
24	Female	El Estanque	75	Married	Retired/Pensioner
25	Female	El Estanque	70	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner
26	Male	El Estanque	77	Married	Retired/Pensioner
27	Male	El Estanque	75	Widowed	Retired/Pensioner

As shown in Chart 2, most of the surveyed older adults have lived in the studied neighborhoods for more than 40 years. Furthermore, 88.8% live in shared households, either with children, partners, grandchildren, or other relatives. These data suggest residential stability and a strong connection to the environment. All respondents report being retired. Notably, 37% of the participants are women who are engaged in caregiving for others (including children under 15, individuals over 74, or persons with disabilities or limitations).

Chart 2
– Residential tenure in the study areas

Years of Residence	Percentage
0-10 years 10-20 years 20-30 years 30-40 years +40 years	3.70% 3.70% 11.11% 14.81% 66.67 %

Regarding health status, 85.2% of respondents report having a chronic disease or hereditary condition. Furthermore, 44.44% consider that their illnesses or health problems have limited their daily activities to some extent. This condition is significant, as it has direct effects on the perception of public space: obstacles on streets and sidewalks, steep slopes, and the lack of optimal conditions exacerbate these limitations, negatively affecting both mobility and quality of life. On average, participants rate their health status as "fair." Regarding daily life, 40.74% state that their health does not affect their routine activities, while 37.03% report experiencing limitations, and 7.4% indicate that such restrictions occur only occasionally.

Healthcare services have become increasingly relevant for older adults. The medical centers used predominantly by Family Health Centers (CESFAM) are located within the neighborhoods. In terms of modal split for healthcare access, 44.44% travel by car or motorized mobility applications, 33.33% use public buses, and 37.03% travel on foot.

Results

Morphology and neighborhood land uses

The three analyzed neighborhoods present a low-density morphology, characterized by buildings of one to three stories, as shown in Figure 4. The predominant land use is residential, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Regulatory Plan (Municipalidad de Peñalolén, 2018). At the neighborhood level, small local retail shops are identified, generally integrated into residential fabric. In the three case studies, the presence of mechanical workshops and auto parts stores is also observed; this is especially significant in Villa Letelier, where these businesses compete in number with daily provision shops.

Figure 4
– Land use in the studied neighborhoods

Neighborhood life is actively manifested in public spaces; sidewalks and streets function as informal meeting places, generating what Jacobs (1973) terms "vital spaces." However, these neighborhoods exhibit a limited diversity of land uses, which compels residents to travel outside their local areas to access certain goods and services. This condition is further reinforced by the presence of economic activities oriented toward external demands, such as automotive workshops, which do not cater to the immediate needs of the resident population.

The residential character of these neighborhoods has remained relatively stable since their establishment between 1973 and 1990. The greatest diversity of land use is observed along the perimeter roads, where the Regulatory Plan allows for mixed-use zoning. These avenues concentrate small restaurants and other businesses on the ground floor, while the upper floors or rear areas are used as dwellings.

Condition of public infrastructure

Infrastructure deterioration patterns are detected across the three analyzed neighborhoods. Sidewalks and alleyways (pasajes) exhibit significant decay, particularly in non-renovated areas (Figure 5). This deterioration is more evident within the neighborhood's interior than at the peripheries or boundaries of the study areas. Sidewalks are narrow, primarily in the alleyways; most are constructed of durable but worn materials, featuring potholes and cracks developed over time. Few have been renovated, while a very small percentage of alleyways across the three neighborhoods lack sidewalks entirely.

Figure 5
– Alleyway Cross-sections in the El Estanque, Lo Hermida, and Villa Letelier neighborhoods

An exceptional case is found in Villa Letelier, where the analyzed streets feature ample space for green areas despite having very narrow sidewalks. Nevertheless, the condition of these sidewalks (Figure 6) allows for comfortable walking along the entire street. Traffic is sparse, and vehicle speeds are moderate, harmonizing movement and crossings at the corners, which are in good condition and facilitate mobility. In contrast, regarding the streets in the other neighborhoods, the situation changes significantly; specifically, the intersections are in very poor condition.

Figure 6
– Infrastructure condition in the analyzed neighborhoods

Regarding the other variables mentioned in the methodology, the results of the expert assessment are synthesized in Figure 7, where each variable consists of two to five components as specified in Vargas (2025).

Figure 7
– Evaluation of neighborhoods according to public space components

The previous results show that Villa Letelier presents the best connectivity conditions. El Estanque shares "sufficient" characteristics with Villa Letelier, while Lo Hermida exhibits "insufficient" conditions across most of the assessed points. There is a clear disparity between the neighborhoods; for instance, El Estanque shares "nearly sufficient" characteristics with Villa Letelier regarding vegetation and transportation.

Accessibility within the neighborhoods fails to reach high-quality standards, and the lack of street furniture on the sidewalks is rated as "insufficient," as these elements are only found in parks and plazas. The alleyways are the identified weak point in the neighborhood environment in all three cases. They lack vegetation to provide thermal comfort to nearby dwellings and are devoid of urban elements such as street lighting, benches on sidewalks, and waste bins.

Travel purposes

In the three studied neighborhoods, older adults consider it easy to access necessary services. The primary activity is purchasing household supplies, groceries, or food: 77.77% of older adults perform this activity within their neighborhood.

Regarding recreation, the most frequent activities include attending senior centers, visiting churches, houses of family or friends, performing gymnastics, and going for walks. Again, 77.77% engage in these activities within the neighborhood. General perceptions reflect that services are located nearby, suggesting a diversity of land uses, short travel distances, and good accessibility to the local supply.

Transport mode

Walking is the primary mode of travel: 90.47% of those who shop and 85.18% of those who engage in recreation within the neighborhood do so on foot. However, 38.09% of shoppers and 37.03% of those recreating report difficulties associated with slopes, the poor condition of sidewalks and streets, or a sense of insecurity when returning home.

Despite the predominance of pedestrian travel, 44.44% use private transport and nearly one-third use public transport (mainly buses), evidencing a partial dependence on motorized modes. Overall, perceptions of pedestrian infrastructure are divided: 40.74% consider it to be of good quality, while 33.33% disagree. Residents of Lo Hermida and El Estanque express more negative opinions, whereas more favorable perceptions prevail in Villa Letelier.

Figure 8 illustrates transport modes by neighborhood. In Villa Letelier, more people report walking to carry out their activities. Generally, the perception of infrastructure quality tends to be neutral in El Estanque and impartial in Lo Hermida. Pedestrians hold negative opinions of the infrastructure, whereas residents using other modes of transport have a different perception. The valuation of public space is more positive among older adults who use motorized transport. In other words, those who walk have a realistic perception of the state of the infrastructure; by overlaying the surveys with the professional assessment, those who walk perceive more problems than those who use a vehicle.

Figure 8
– Transport mode distribution by neighborhood

Figure 9 plots the responses that tend to disagree with the notion of high-quality public space. Residents who perform more activities on foot are dissatisfied with the quality of the environment, whereas those who walk less perceive the surroundings to be of good quality. There is a diversity of opinions within the same neighborhoods; in this sense, the perception seems to be linked to the individual’s autonomy to go out and perform activities, regardless of where they live. Those who choose an option other than walking do so for various reasons—primarily comfort, distance, health, safety, and time. Conversely, those who choose to walk report doing so due to short distances, personal preference, and habit.

Figure 9
– Perception of public space quality and frequency of weekly walking activities

Discussion

The results offer an approximation of the quality of public spaces in urban environments within peripheral districts, focusing on the perception of older adults. Both technical and design elements of the physical environment are analyzed, alongside subjective perceptions. Unlike other studies conducted in non-Latin American contexts (Iecovich, 2014; Jacobs, 1973; Pons Izquierdo & Montoro Gurich, 2020; Pozo Menéndez, 2020; Sánchez-González, 2009), this research adapts reference tools to the local context to review public space elements that may limit or enhance active aging. Although these are not unique analytical tools, they allow for an understanding of the relevance of the physical space in promoting health and active aging, as defined by the WHO (2007).

In this regard, the analysis confirms that the district does not have 100% of its sidewalks in good condition and that their quality conditions are the mobility of older adults. In the analyzed neighborhoods, this situation is evident: the number of deteriorated sidewalks is considerable. These results align with Herrmann-Lunecke et al. (2022), who state that public spaces in poor condition create accessibility barriers for the entire population. In Villa Letelier, better conditions of accessibility, connectivity, and park quality are observed, as well as higher walkability. In contrast, Lo Hermida presents a deteriorated public space, lower physical activity, and worse indicators of sleep and sedentary behavior. These findings reinforce the arguments of Cano Gutiérrez & Sánchez-González (2019), who maintain that such environments do not favor healthy lifestyles in old age.

In the analyzed neighborhoods, walking is the primary mode of mobility. In addition to confirming the importance of pedestrian travel for the elderly population, it is confirmed that – as argued by Herrmann-Lunecke et al. (2021) – the type of transport used influences the perception of infrastructure quality: the greater the walkability, the greater the alignment between perceptions and real conditions. Regarding those who choose not to walk, both structural and personal reasons are identified: distance, safety, health, time, and comfort. These factors reflect physical and social barriers that limit the use of public space and autonomous mobility. Conversely, those who do walk do so for more subjective reasons: personal preference, habit, or proximity, indicating a close relationship with the immediate environment despite its deficiencies.

It is possible to consider that environmental conditions limit the autonomy of older adults. This is a particularly relevant issue, as the loss of autonomy is one of the primary fears among the elderly (Los Andes & UC, 2022). In the neighborhoods studied, environmental conditions force many older adults to depend on others to perform their daily activities, as indicated by the survey responses. This situation contrasts with the positive projections of the UC Center for Public Policies (Ibáñez & Trello, 2017), which highlight the active and autonomous role of this population. If public space limits such autonomy, the recreational and productive potential of active aging is compromised.

One of the significant findings is the distance to healthcare centers. In the three neighborhoods analyzed, individuals must use private transport to leave the district and access medical services. The lack of proximity to medical and recreational services increases these costs and expands the scale of displacement. Furthermore, the scarce presence of healthcare centers in or near the neighborhoods limits spatial equity, especially in predominantly residential districts inhabited by people who have remained in their homes since adulthood (Vecchio et al., 2020), in contrast to the residential mobility patterns observed in Europe or North America.

Conclusion

In contexts where the population is undergoing significant aging processes, public spaces exhibit major shortcomings, as their structural characteristics and lack of maintenance do not always respond adequately to the specific needs of older adults. This lack of adaptation and modernization of the urban environment directly impacts on the mobility of the elderly. Public space plays a key role in health and well--being; therefore, its design must incorporate conditions that promote active aging. While it is not the sole determinant of health, it constitutes an essential facilitator for fostering opportunities for movement and social participation.

The spatial characterization of the analyzed neighborhoods allowed for an understanding of the form, design, and urban components that shape the daily lives of their inhabitants. It is evident that there is a need to implement processes for continuous improvement, monitoring, and evaluation of public spaces, as well as a better integration of their elements – as proposed by Gehl (2022) – to foster more integrated neighborhood dynamics. The case study reveals a stagnation in urban development; this is reflected in the lack of urban renewal and the few interventions aimed at adapting public spaces in established neighborhoods, which limits the lived experience of older people, especially regarding accessibility.

Among the most critical elements of the environment is the condition of streets and sidewalks near dwellings. These areas, particularly the alleyways (pasajes), are the first point of contact with public space and were found to be in poor condition in all three studied neighborhoods. This generates a negative perception of the environment from the very beginning of any journey. Prioritizing the maintenance of these sidewalks is fundamental, as their good condition enables urban continuity systems, which are essential for pedestrian travel.

Despite physical barriers, the respondents demonstrate a significant level of functional autonomy, evidencing their willingness to participate actively in neighborhood life. Walking emerges as the primary mode of displacement, although it faces major challenges linked to deteriorated infrastructure and the lack of curb ramps. These limitations not only restrict mobility but also negatively impact on the physical and emotional health of older adults.

Finally, the importance of integrating interdisciplinary approaches in future research is highlighted specifically the linking of territorial and medical perspectives to deepen the relationship between space, health, and quality of life. The incorporation of participatory methodologies, such as workshops and mental maps, would enrich the analysis by actively including the voices of the inhabitants themselves. Although this research did not include these strategies, their inclusion in future studies is recommended to strengthen the social and community-driven approach.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support of CEDEUS – Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (ANID/Fondap/1523A0004) and ANID (Fondecyt/11220220).

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• Data availability statement:
  The complete dataset supporting the results of this study has been made available in the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Repository and can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.7764/tesisUC/EUR/106532.

Edited by

• Editors:
  Lucia Bógus and
  Luiz César de Queiroz Ribeiro

• Organizers of this issue:
  Ana Marcela Ardila Pinto,
  Carlos Fernando Ferreira Lobo,
  Natália Villamizar Duarte

Edited by

• reviewed by
  Giovanni Vecchio, email: [e-mail]
  Allan Vargas Solano, email: [e-mail]

Data availability

The complete dataset supporting the results of this study has been made available in the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Repository and can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.7764/tesisUC/EUR/106532.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  15 June 2026
• Date of issue
  May-Aug 2026

History

• Received
  26 June 2025
• Accepted
  30 Oct 2025