Explaining and Presenting an Urban Development Model Based on the Age-Friendly City Approach (Case Study: Asadabad City)

The increasing elderly population in Asadabad and inequalities in access to urban services have intensified the need to evaluate the city's compatibility with the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly City framework. This study aimed to assess the current status of Asadabad and propose an urban development model based on the Age-Friendly City approach. This descriptive–analytical and applied research was conducted using a mixed-method (quantitative-qualitative) approach. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population consisted of 3,870 older adults aged 65 years and above residing in Asadabad (based on the 2016 census of the Statistical Center of Iran). Using Morgan's table, a sample size of 351 individuals was estimated and selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 36 items within eight dimensions aligned with the WHO framework. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and one-sample t-test at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS software. In the qualitative phase, the Delphi technique was conducted in three rounds with the participation of 15 experts, with consensus criteria defined as a mean score above 4 out of 5 and an agreement coefficient of 70%. The findings revealed that the overall mean score of the indicators (2.03) was significantly lower than the desirable level (3) (P<0.001). The most significant weaknesses were observed in supportive and healthcare services, lack of standardization in new housing construction, and inadequate physical infrastructure. Conversely, "public respect for older adults" (mean = 3.95) and "appropriate driver behavior" were identified as relative strengths. Based on the integration of quantitative findings and expert consensus, and through a reorganization process in which five Delphi-derived axes were consolidated into four final axes by merging public spaces and urban furniture axes due to their conceptual and operational overlap, the proposed urban development model is built upon four key pillars: optimization of physical infrastructure, development of specialized healthcare services, facilitation of civic and social participation of older adults, and improvement of spatial and technological accessibility with an emphasis on spatial justice. The implementation of these pillars, through citizen participation, continuous monitoring, and adequate budget allocation, can contribute to reducing social isolation, enhancing functional independence, and improving the quality of life of older adults in Asadabad; however, empirical verification of these outcomes requires longitudinal studies and post-implementation evaluations.