VIRTUAL Manchester Livable Cities
Abstract
Introduction: As the global population ages, it is increasingly important to design environments that are safe, accessible, and health-promoting, particularly for adults aged 45 and over who are at risk of frailty. While generally independent and active, this group is more vulnerable to environmental stressors such as extreme heat, noise, air pollution, and traffic. This paper explores how healthy living environments, especially public open spaces, can support the prevention and management of frailty. Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature, international frameworks (e.g., WHO Age-Friendly Cities), and case studies (e.g., Healthy Streets for London) was conducted to identify design features of public spaces that benefit physical, mental, and social health, and help delay the onset of frailty. Results and Discussion: The findings confirm several health benefits of well-designed public spaces, including increased physical activity, reduced stress, depression and loneliness, improved mental wellbeing, better air quality, and reduced vulnerability to heatwaves. These outcomes are associated with design elements such as barrier-free and accessible infrastructure (e.g., ramps, non-slip surfaces), elements that provide microclimatic regulation (e.g., greenery, shaded areas, water features), safety, orientation, visibility, and opportunities for social interaction (e.g., community gardens, seating areas, intergenerational centers). Conclusion: A comprehensive approach to public space design is essential. It should integrate various elements such as physical accessibility, safety, green and blue infrastructure, and social connectivity. Effective collaboration between urban planners, designers, public health experts, decision-makers, and local communities is crucial for promoting healthy aging and reducing frailty risks.
Anja Jutraž, MArch, PhD, is a researcher at the National Institute of Public Health in Slovenia. Her work focuses on the relationship between health and the built environment at both architectural and urban scales. She explores healthy building design, including interior spaces, and the planning of green and public spaces. Her expertise includes public participation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and urban health strategies. She also works as an independent architect, focusing on creative and office spaces, public space design, urban interventions, and strategic urban planning projects.
Vesna Viher Hrženjak, MD, PhD, is a senior public health specialist and Head of the Department of Climate Change and Health Impact Studies of the Built Environment at the National Institute of Public Health in Slovenia. Her career focuses on the effects of environmental factors on health. She has been a member of expert groups at national and wider level, publishes scientific articles, shares expertise at conferences, and participates in research projects.;
Katja Benčin, MSc, holds a master’s degree in health and environmental sciences and works at the National Institute of Public Health. Her work focuses on the health impacts of indoor and outdoor environmental factors. She is involved in interdisciplinary research aimed at reducing environmental health risks and promoting healthy living environments. She also works in global health.
Nina Pirnat, MD, is a specialist of epidemiology and public health, and Head of the Centre for Health Ecology at the National Institute of Public Health. With over 30 years of experience, she completed postgraduate training in hospital hygiene. In 1992, she helped organize refugee centres, managing hygiene and infectious disease control. She was vaccination coordinator and a member of the infection control committee at UKC. She has contributed to several EU projects on cross-border health threats.
Assistant Professor Branko Gabrovec, PhD, graduated on logistical processes in healthcare, received master’s degree on user satisfaction and service quality, obtained doctorate on healthcare system organization. He began his career in secondary-level healthcare, continued at the primary level, and since 2014 has worked at the tertiary level at the National Institute of Public Health, where he currently serves as Director General. At the University of Ljubljana, he teaches public health. He has authored numerous scientific works and led research, applied, and policy projects on healthcare organization, public health, and healthy aging.
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Wednesday 17th June, 2026