Emergence of Urban Ageing Based on Technological Solutions to Ensure Smart Urban Sustainable Development: Emergence of an Urban Ageing Ecosystem • February 2024 • In book: Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development in Cities and Organizations • Publisher: IGI Global Authors: Vasja Roblek, Vlado Dimovski & Judita Peterlin INTRODUCTION The idea of a ‘smart city’ has evolved significantly in recent years, leading to a shi� in urban development and planning approaches. This ar�cle explores how smart ci�es can be adapted to support sustainable urban ageing, focusing on the needs of older people. This demographic group is o�en neglected in pursuing technological progress and digitalisa�on, even though it represents a significant propor�on of the world’ s popula�on, which is projected to grow in the coming years (People-Smart Sustainable Cities – UNECE, n.d.-c). The world’ s popula�on is ageing. In 2022, more than 711 million people were 65 and over , represen�ng almost ten per cent of the world’ s popula�on. The elderly popula�on is projected to con�nue to grow in the future. By 2050, around 16% of the world’s popula�on is expected to be 65 or older. Moreover, this number is expected to rise to twenty-four per cent by 2100 (Alvare, 2023). The impending demographic change poses several challenges for urban planners. The foremost is ensuring accessibility, safety, and inclusivity for elderly persons. Regarding accessibility , mobility can pose significant challenges as individuals age, and smart ci�es can aid in addressing this challenge. Solu�ons such as smart transporta�on systems and smart homes incorpora�ng technology to enhance mobility and accessibility for older adults are some examples (Tupasela et al., 2023); in terms of safety , older adults are o�en vulnerable to risks in their homes and public spaces. Smart city technologies, including sensor systems and AI-based monitoring, can poten�ally enhance older adults’ safety (Ghorayeb et al., 2021). Ageing o�en results in social isola�on, but smart ci�es can foster inclusivity for older adults by employing technology that enables social interac�ons and community engagement (Sen et al., 2022). Ci�es can cater to the needs of their ageing popula�ons and ensure a higher quality of life for all ci�zens by comprehending and implemen�ng these smart city adapta�ons for sustainable urban ageing. Popula�on ageing has become a pressing issue for all state subsystems. It impacts changes in lifestyle and the need of older individuals for adjustments to urban infrastructure in both rural and urban areas (Roblek, 2019). As urban areas expand and the global popula�on ages, ci�es must develop policies and solu�ons promo�ng sustainable urban ageing. A crucial aspect of this endeavour involves integra�ng technological progress with age-friendly urban planning, now commonly referred to as ‘smart city adapta�ons for sustainable urban ageing’ . This chapter aims to clarify the par�cular features of such European smart city sustainable development and illuminate its significance for mee�ng the requirements of older ci�zens. As part of their development models and strategies, poli�cians have defined that a smart city must ensure sustainable development, efficiency, and survival. Within the framework of sustainable policies, a sustainable community whose task is to reduce the impact of the environment on urban life is thus described (Bibri et al., 2020). It is also crucial that urban development strategies not understand the