Socio-Technical Systems for an Ageing Population

The global challenges posed by the simultaneous demographic transitions of urbanisation and ageing have prompted the World Health Organisation to develop the Age-Friendly City (AFC) approach. This approach, however, is overly reliant on spatial solutions to effectively respond to a wicked problem which has no obvious terminating condition, requires continuous adaption as needs, values and contributions change, and is highly dependent on an equitable distribution of resources. To address this, the paper explores the development of a methodology for a socio-technical system (STS) that facilitates the creation of an AFC in a borough of Central London. However, it is concluded that such a methodology cannot yet be operationalised and requires the expansion of STS theory to include a spatial dimension, the development of an effective participatory design methodology, and a focus on contributive justice to ensure meaningful participation.