Urban games and ageing people. Designing better places for community

As the global population ages, urban design must adapt to address the evolving needs of older adults. With life expectancy increasing and birth rates declining, many cities are experiencing a demographic shift towards a higher proportion of elderly residents. This trend presents both challenges and opportunities for urban planners, who must ensure that urban environments are not only accessible but also supportive and inclusive of older adults (He, Goodkind, and Kowal 2016; United Nations 2019). The necessity of adapting urban environments to meet the needs of an ageing population has never been more pressing (Gilroy and Townshend 2024). In particular, parks and recreational areas within cities play a key role in supporting the well-being of older adults by promoting physical activity, social interaction and mental health. However, despite the well-documented health benefits of parks, older adults are often underrepresented in their usage, mainly due to physical limitations, safety concerns, and lack of age-friendly amenities (Cohen et al. 2019; Evenson et al. 2016). Addressing these barriers requires urban planners to design parks with features that promote accessibility, such as well- maintained paths, seating, and safe, shaded areas (Costigan et al. 2017). Moreover, recent trends in urban park design have focused on incorporating exercise and play facilities specifically for older adults, recognizing that ‘senior playgrounds’ and low- impact exercise zones can greatly improve physical health, mobility, and rehabilitation (Loukaitou-Sideris, Levy-Storms, and Brozen 2014; Sepe 2023). These spaces not only support physical well-being but also enhance mental health by encouraging social interaction and reducing isolation, a significant issue among the elderly (Chaudhury et al. 2016; Finlay et al. 2015). In addition to physical spaces, virtual environments are emerging as innovative tools for enhancing the lives of older adults. Virtual games, which have traditionally been associated with younger generations, are increasingly being recognized for their cognitive, social, and physical benefits for older adults (Lampit, Hallock, and Valenzuela 2014). These games can be integrated into urban design through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications that promote physical activity, mental stimulation, and social engagement in both real and virtual settings (Tsekleves et al. 2014). For instance, exergames encourage physical movement, improving both physical and mental health, while VR environments can simulate urban spaces for individuals with mobility challenges, allowing them to navigate safely from home (Warburton, Bredin, and Nettlefold 2017). 164 M. SEPE In this framework, the integration of games – both physical and virtual – serves as a powerful tool for promoting inclusion, physical health, and socialization. These efforts contribute to the creation of age-friendly environments, whether in open-air settings, virtual spaces, or hybrid areas that blend both. This study focuses on how games, in various forms, can play a significant role in the daily lives of older adults, enhancing their quality of life in increasingly urbanized societies.