Multigenerational Urban Planning for Accessible Cities: Lessons from the Case of Milan and Its Senior Population

Urban planning plays a key role supporting the multigenerational development of cities. Accessibility is one of the main fields of action in multigenerational planning. The aim is to increase mobility, reduce congestion and traffic, develop and integrate policies on public, private and shared transport, and promote the pedestrian safety. This study analyzes the policies, tools and urban actions that may provide strategic guidelines for dealing with the changing demographic phenomenon, with particular reference to the city of Milan, where the Urban Plan of Sustainable Mobility (PUMS) and the Architectural Barrier Elimination Plan were approved. The PUMS develops a system vision of the mobility of the metropolitan area, proposing the achievement of environmental, social and economic sustainability objectives, through actions aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the mobility system and its integration with the urban structure and socio-economic development. The study further analyzes the transport supply and mobility demand of the elderly, with attention to three peripheral neighborhoods: Gallaratese, Gratosoglio and Niguarda Ca’ Granda. This paper presents some findings of a study on Milan’s senior population and their mobility related issues within their neighbourhoods. As discussed beforehand, the three peripheral focus areas present a somewhat similar situation considering the quality of the neighbor layout and level of public transportation offered, which is essential for mobility and accessibility, yet also other fundamental services mainly concerning the older generation.