‘Barrier Free’ to ‘Age-friendly’ Akita City

Ayuk Eyong ChristianVice President

Friends of IFA (FOIFA)Akita City, JAPAN

Presentation Outline

Friends of IFA, Japan

Basic Facts: population ageing in Akita City/Japan

Introducing ‘barrier free’ & ‘universal design’ concepts

Toward a more Age-friendly Akita City

Future Direction

Conclusion

Akita City on World Map

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The Ageing Trend in Akita City

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Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan

Population Ageing in Japan

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Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan

Population Ageing in Akita

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2010 Total population: 323,600

Persons aged 65+: 77,879 (24.0%)

1 in 4 persons = 65+

Projection

2030 Total population : 259,483

Persons aged 65+ : 95,027 (36%)

Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan

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Toward a more ‘age-friendly’ Akita City

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‘Barrier free’ concept refers to the modification of buildings and facilities such that they can be used by people who are disabled or have physical impairments

‘Barrier Free’

ramp handrail

escalatortactilepavement

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‘Universal Design’

‘Universal Design’ refers to ideas meant to produce buildings, environments and products so that they can be inherently accessible to all people.

People with disabilities

People with special needs

arms, legs, aural / pregnant / elderly - expanding the range of users

People with no special needs

Elderly people

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Building on the earlier concepts

legs/arms visual/aural

expanding the range of users

‘barrier free’ +

‘universal design||

user diversity

equal opportunities, well-being and

participation of all citizens including

senior citizens

reliable information

central directory

seniors college

affordable services

events for all ages

radiated sidewalks

green parks

low step buses

reserved parking

tactile pavement

automatic doors

ramps/handrails

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The Four Step Approach

affiliate with WHO

research & assessment

action plan

promotion & implementation

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Is Akita City ‘age-friendly’?

1. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings

Sidewalks Pedestrian crossing Lighting, curbs Resting places

2. Transportation

Roads, lighting Parking Snow removal Public

transportation: cost, availability

3. Communication & Information

Reliable information

Central directory Available

information

Choices Training Recognition

4. Civic Participation & Employment

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Promotion & Implementation

Public Transportation: cost & availability

cost

availability

locations regulations

parking

snow removal

roads, lighting, signage

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Promotion & Implementation

social participation

events for all ages

affordable activities

activities well publicized

affordable transportation

senior citizen college

community groups

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Domain Now 2016

Outdoor space Parks 93 103

Radiated sidewalks 18 32

Transportation ‘One-coin’ bus fare 59,319 66,244

Building Earthquake resistant 77,8% 86.0%

Respect & Social Inclusion Senior Citizens College 7 7

Community support center 10 18

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Conclusion

Priority Issues

1. Eliminate stereotype images on ageing and elderly people

2. Promote ‘barrier free’ and ‘universal design’

3. Include the ‘age-friendly’ plan in all its development work

Objectives

1. Healthy lifestyles for all

2. Personal empowerment and social connection

3. Growth of businesses & job increase

Thank You

www.foifa.or.jp