Age-friendly urban design: an Israeli national case study

On 19 July 2021, Israel became one of the first countries in the world to address the crisis of its ageing population through a binding resolution. The plans included a formal system of measuring progress, a set of Indicators for Optimal Ageing, and a shared vision to promote urban planning policy that integrates innovation, inclusion, and new partnerships. As a result, Israel is currently experiencing robust growth in evidence-based, measurable, multisectoral, and sustainable initiatives to enhance older adults’ well-being, adding health to years, and not only years, to the average Israeli life expectancy. This paper highlights national and regional applications of that initiative, describing how this approach mobilizes diverse stakeholders in government, local authorities, civil society, and the private sector, to collaborate in addressing the challenges that face older persons on a large scale. Showcasing strategies and solutions in Israel’s multicultural society may inform other national efforts in Europe and beyond.