Considering the Preferences of Adults and Elderly Individuals While Examining the Spatial Justice of the Distribution of Urban Facilities: A Case Study of the Small Town of Fiľakovo (Slovakia)
Considering the Preferences of Adults and Elderly Individuals While Examining the Spatial Justice of the Distribution of Urban Facilities: A Case Study of the Small Town of Fiľakovo (Slovakia)

Summary/Abstract: By commonly requiring smaller walking distances, elderly have been considered more vulnerable when accessing urban facilities, and thereby have fewer urban opportunities than an “average adult”. Yet is not clear if this disadvantage remains significant after considering the different needs of the elderly. The main aim of this study was to provide an analysis of the spatial distribution of urban facilities, while considering differences in preferences for facility types of the elderly (over 65 years of age) and adults (under 65 years of age). Participants residing Fiľakovo (Slovakia) were asked to state a visitation frequency of urban facilities. All the facility types mentioned by the residents were then mapped. Accessibility to opportunities was calculated in a trigonometric model of fictitious public space users, with the differences between the age groups being tested with a Mann-Whitney U test. Areas of interest for adults and the elderly were calculated using Kernel density analyses. The results showed that even after considering the different needs and preferences of the elderly, there were still significant differences in opportunities within their walking distance compared to adults. The spatial patterns of the areas of interest were similar, but with higher values of the kernel density in the case of adults. Inequalities emerged particularly in areas where facilities catering to daily needs were absent. Indeed, to mitigate the socio-spatial injustice, it would be beneficial to deconcentrate the municipality-controlled facilities.

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