Silver Ways

We will collect older adults’ commonly walked routes via questionnaires and travel diaries, then digitize them with the Sketch Map Tool. Route attributes come from GIS layers and street-level imagery analyzed with deep learning (e.g., greenness/sky view, sidewalk quality), enabling a Path Size Logit route-choice model across Mannheim, Uppsala and Kayseri. Model coefficients are turned into “equivalent walking distance” weights and implemented in openrouteservice to generate age-friendly routes. We validate and calibrate these in Urban Living Labs through guided walks comparing recommended vs. shortest paths, gathering feedback via standardized surveys. Finally, we compute a Silver 15-Minute Neighborhood Index (and a Surplus Index) using the age-friendly routes and co-design targeted planning measures with municipal partners.

Outputs include: 

(i) a multi-city evidence base on how environment, purpose and demographics shape older adults’ route choices; 

(ii) a validated, publicly hosted routing service that personalizes pedestrian navigation for older adults; and 

(iii) the Silver 15-Minute Neighborhood and Surplus Indexes to guide upgrades and amenity placement. 

Anticipated benefits are improved access to daily needs via safer, more comfortable routes; reduced car-dependence; greater independence and social participation; and health co-benefits from increased walking. Open data, documentation and replication guidance will support uptake by planners and NGOs beyond the project cities, accelerating age-friendly urban design.