The Development, Implementation and/or Sustainability of Age‐Friendly Cities and Communities Programmes: Findings From an Umbrella Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To examine the evidence from systematic reviews on the development, implementation, and/or sustainability of age-friendly cities and communities programmes.

Design

This review was informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute umbrella review methodology.

Methods

Critical appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis were carried out according to the Joanna Briggs protocol for undertaking umbrella reviews.

Data Sources

An extensive CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, PubMed and Scopus search was conducted for literature published from January 2007 to July 2024. Finalised search terms included ‘age-friendly’, ‘age-friendly cities and communities’ ‘systematic review’, meta-analysis', ‘integrative review’, ‘narrative review’, ‘scoping review’, ‘rapid review’ and ‘scientometric review’ in combination with index terms were utilised to locate relevant literature.

Results

Ten reviews were included comprising 4 scoping reviews, 1 interpretive review, 1 integrative review, 2 systematic reviews, 1 rapid review and 1 structured literature review. Synthesised findings were presented under the categories of ‘Development’; ‘Implementation’; and ‘Sustainability’.

Conclusion

The findings are relevant to policy, practice and research. Longitudinal and evaluation research is needed to determine the long-term sustainability of AFCC programmes. More evidence is required on the success of programmes in marginalised communities and low to middle-income countries. Designing appropriate environments for ageing in place has far-reaching implications for the health and well-being of communities, especially our oldest citizens. This is particularly salient in this time of unprecedented population ageing. Nurses must have an in-depth understanding of the broader determinants of health, including ensuring environments are fit for purpose and meet the needs of older communities.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Understanding the importance of ensuring our cities and communities are age-friendly will positively influence the health and social care provided by nurses to older adults.

Reporting Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyse checklist were used to report the screening process.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution to this umbrella review.

Trial Registration

The PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023413096 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=413096)