Physical activity in age-friendly cities and communities: a scoping review with recommendations to support policy and practice.

Patricia C Jackman, Emily J Dargue-Fox, Rebecca M Hawkins, Niamh Murphy, Melanie Clarke, Christian Swann, Mo Ray

Journal: BMC public health 2025;25(1):4107

PMID: 41286710

Abstract

As the global population continues to age, there is growing international interest in creating environments that support older persons' health and wellbeing. Age-friendly cities and communities (AFCCs) aim to foster physical and social settings that enable healthy and active ageing through targeted policies, services, and infrastructure. Physical activity (PA) plays a vital role in promoting healthy ageing; however, limited research has explored how AFCCs integrate and promote PA. To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review to systematically map and synthesise the existing literature on PA in AFCCs. Following comprehensive searches of five electronic databases (APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, SOCIndex, SPORTDiscus) and the World Health Organisation's age-friendly practices database up to May 2025, we included 59 research outputs and 77 practices across 35 countries. Our review demonstrates the wide range of opportunities that exist within and across the eight age-friendly domains to support PA opportunities for older persons. However, the findings also highlight the importance of considering a range of factors-spanning intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, cultural, and systemic domains-that influence the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of PA initiatives in AFCCs. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the various factors that influence PA in age-friendly ecosystems. Drawing on the evidence, we propose six enablers needed to facilitate a whole-system approach to facilitating PA in AFCCs: (a) multi-level leadership and shared vision; (b) equity and empowerment of older persons; (c) effective governance and management; (d) integration of PA strategy into age-friendly ecosystems; (e) diverse and collaborative partnerships; and (f) capacity building across the system. Together, these enablers offer a strategic foundation for advancing PA policy and practice within AFCCs, supporting the development of inclusive, sustainable, and health-promoting PA environments for older persons.

Address: School of Psychology, Sport Science and Wellbeing, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, UK. [email protected].; School of Psychology, Sport Science and Wellbeing, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, UK.; Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Group, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.; School of Psychology, Sport Science and Wellbeing, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, UK.; Department of Sport and Exercise Science, South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland.; Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research Theme, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia.; Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research Theme, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia.; Manna Institute, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia.; School of Health and Care Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-25108-7

MeSH Terms: Humans, Exercise, Cities, Aged, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Healthy Aging, Environment Design, Residence Characteristics