Identifying and Explaining the Components Influencing Sustainable Urban Livability for Older Adults: A Grounded Theory Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in Geography and Urban Planning, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Maragheh,, Maragheh, Iran.

Abstract

This study aims to identify and explain the components influencing sustainable urban livability for older adults in Tabriz and to develop a context-specific (indigenous) model grounded in field data. The research adopts a qualitative approach using Grounded Theory. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 experts and key informants in urban planning and design, urban management, and elderly-service planning— including relevant faculty members, senior managers and experts of Tabriz Municipality, and specialists from organizations responsible for older adults and social services in Tabriz (e.g., the Welfare Organization and the medical sciences sector). Sampling followed purposeful/theoretical procedures and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted through open, axial, and selective coding based on the Strauss and Corbin approach. The findings indicate that sustainable urban livability for older adults is a multidimensional construct, explained through ten main categories: accessibility and mobility; quality of the built environment and public spaces; health and care services; safety and security; economic–livelihood conditions; cultural–social and supportive contexts; institutional and planning capacity; social–civic capital and capacities; intervention strategies; and individual, social, and urban outcomes. Overall, enhancing older adults’ livability requires integrated physical, service, and institutional interventions, strengthening older adults’ participation, and promoting cross-sectoral coordination in urban governance.

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References

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Geography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement
Volume 16, Issue 60
October 2026
Pages 1-26

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 25 April 2026
  • Accept Date: 26 May 2026

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