More than half of the global population live in cities that are traditionally built without the child, youth or elderly in mind. Children’s independent mobility and their possibility for actualizing environmental affordances are most crucial and the most threatening aspects of environmental child-friendliness of our modern societies. Moreover, one core determinant of health in later life is how and where one lives. In this theme we examine what kinds of environments can support children, youth and older adults’ mobility, physical activity and everyday encounters. We also help researchers and planning practitioners find ways to facilitate and motivate diverse groups to move outdoors and to plan child and age-friendly environments.

Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash.