Thematic Report on Outdoor Spaces and Buildings

The Thematic Report on Outdoor Spaces and Buildings is a thematic research publication developed under the Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project, initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in collaboration with research institutes across Hong Kong universities. Grounded in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Age-friendly Cities framework, this report evaluates the age-friendliness of Hong Kong's physical environment, urban design, public parks, pedestrian networks, and building accessibility. Based on extensive quantitative surveys and qualitative focus group interviews with older adults and community stakeholders across Hong Kong districts, the document assesses key physical features including public seating, barrier-free access, resting areas, public toilets, crosswalk timing, lighting, and building entrances. It identifies critical urban strengths alongside major environmental barriers that impede mobility, independence, and active social participation among the elderly. Crucially, the report provides evidence-based policy recommendations and practical design guidelines for government departments, urban planners, architects, and community developers to foster universal accessibility, healthy aging, and inclusive built environments. This open-access thematic report serves as a vital resource for scholars, students, urban planners, architects, and policymakers in gerontology, urban studies, public policy, social work, and architectural design.