‘Silver cities’ or ‘Young cities’? A taxonomy of cities for seniors, young people, or both

Source abstract

This paper examines the coexistence of population ageing and urbanization in 75 European cities. With a rising older population, urban areas are adapting to demographic shifts by developing ‘Silver Cities’ that support seniors through tailored policies and infrastructure. It analyses how various city characteristics – such as green spaces, cultural attractions, and pollution levels – influence residential satisfaction among both older and younger inhabitants, with seniors typically reporting higher satisfaction. The empirical analysis relies on data from the 2019 Perception Survey on the Quality of Life in European Cities, which includes 58,100 respondents across 83 cities, complemented by urban indicators. Using a multilevel model, perceptions across age groups are compared. Results reveal that elderly residents tend to favour southern cities, whereas younger residents are more satisfied with greener or capital cities. Cultural amenities are particularly relevant for older movers; however, these differences are modest, and most urban features shape satisfaction similarly across age groups. Rather than supporting a strict distinction between ‘Silver’ and ‘Young’ cities, the findings point to a more nuanced picture in which European cities can accommodate diverse age groups, while still facing context-specific challenges linked to demographic change.