1. ‘Barrier Free’ to ‘Age-friendly’ Akita City
Ayuk Eyong Christian
Vice President
Friends of IFA (FOIFA)
Akita City, JAPAN

2. Presentation Outline
Basic Facts: population ageing in Akita City/Japan
Introducing ‘barrier free’ & ‘universal design’ concepts
Toward a more Age-friendly Akita City
Future Direction
Conclusion
Friends of IFA, Japan

3. Akita City on World Map
Friends of IFA, Japan

4. The Ageing Trend in Akita City
Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

5. Population Ageing in Japan
Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

6. Population Ageing in Akita
2010
Total population: 323,600
Persons aged 65+: 77,879 (24.0%)
1 in 4 persons = 65+
Projection
2030
Total population
: 259,483
Persons aged 65+
: 95,027 (36%)
Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

7. Toward a more ‘age-friendly’ Akita City
Friends of IFA, Japan

8. ‘Barrier Free’
‘Barrier free’ concept refers to the modification of buildings and facilities such that they can be used by people who are disabled or have physical impairments
ramp
handrail
tactile
pavement
escalator
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

9. ‘Universal Design’
‘Universal Design’ refers to ideas meant to produce buildings, environments and products so that they can be inherently accessible to all people.
People with no special needs
Elderly people
People with special needs
People with disabilities
arms, legs, aural / pregnant / elderly - expanding the range of users
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

10. Building on the earlier concepts
reliable information
central directory
seniors college
affordable services
events for all ages
radiated sidewalks
green parks
low step buses
reserved parking
tactile pavement
automatic doors
ramps/handrails
equal opportunities, well-being and participation of all citizens including senior citizens
‘barrier free’ +
‘universal design ||
user diversity
expanding the range of users
legs/arms visual/aural
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

11. promotion & implementation
The Four Step Approach
promotion & implementation
action plan
research & assessment
affiliate with WHO
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

12. Is Akita City ‘age-friendly’?
1. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
2. Transportation
Sidewalks
Pedestrian crossing
Lighting, curbs
Resting places
Roads, lighting
Parking
Snow removal
Public transportation: cost, availability
3. Communication & Information
4. Civic Participation & Employment
Reliable information
Central directory
Available information
Choices
Training
Recognition
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

13. Promotion & Implementation
Public Transportation: cost & availability
cost
availability
locations regulations
parking
snow removal
roads, lighting, signage
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

14. Promotion & Implementation
social participation
events for all ages
affordable activities
activities well publicized
affordable transportation
senior citizen college
community groups
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

15. Respect & Social Inclusion Senior Citizens College 7
Domain
Now
2016
Outdoor space
Parks 93
103
Radiated sidewalks 18 32
Transportation
‘One-coin’ bus fare
59,319
66,244
Building
Earthquake resistant
77,8%
86.0%
Respect & Social Inclusion
Senior Citizens College 7
Community support center 10
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

16. Conclusion Priority Issues 1.
Eliminate stereotype images on ageing and elderly people 2.
Promote ‘barrier free’ and ‘universal design’ 3.
Include the ‘age-friendly’ plan in all its development work
Objectives
Healthy lifestyles for all
Personal empowerment and social connection
Growth of businesses & job increase
Friends of IFA, Japan
Friends of IFA, Japan

17. Thank You