Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Geography, Ma.C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
2
Retired Professor, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
10.22034/jspr.2026.2074416.1188
Abstract
Introduction
The global population aging, particularly in developing countries, has emerged as a significant urban and social challenge, described as a "global urgency." Projections indicate that by 2050, over 2.1 billion people, representing 10% of the world's population, will be aged 60 years or older. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced the "Age-Friendly City" framework, providing a model to enhance the quality of life for older adults in urban settings. However, the mere existence of age-friendly city indicators does not guarantee justice for all elderly residents. The key concept in this regard is "spatial justice," which emphasizes the equitable distribution of resources, facilities, and urban services across all geographical areas of a city and for all social groups. This study aims to conduct a comparative assessment of spatial justice in Mashhad, Iran, as an age-friendly city, by analyzing the gap between the subjective perceptions of the elderly and the objective realities of urban service provision.
Theoretical Framework
This research is grounded in the integration of two key concepts: the "Age-Friendly City" and "Spatial Justice." The theoretical framework is built on the WHO's age-friendly cities model, which includes nine key domains: housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, community support and health services, outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, and financial security. Spatial justice theory, rooted in social justice principles, focuses on the fair distribution of resources and services across urban spaces. The study posits that a truly age-friendly city must not only possess these indicators but also ensure their equitable distribution. The assessment of this justice requires integrating both objective indicators, measured through tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and subjective indicators, captured through standardized questionnaires that reflect the lived experiences and perceptions of the elderly.
Methodology
This applied research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining survey techniques and spatial analysis. The statistical population comprises all elderly residents (60 years and older) in Mashhad's 17 municipal districts, totaling 252,975 individuals, according to 2015 census data. Using Cochran's formula and proportional stratified sampling, a sample of 405 individuals was selected. The main instrument for collecting subjective data was a researcher-developed questionnaire based on the WHO's age-friendly cities framework, comprising 48 items across the nine domains. The questionnaire's validity was confirmed through content validity (expert opinions) and construct validity (KMO=0.84, Bartlett's test, p=0.001). Its reliability was verified using Cronbach's alpha, which was 0.79 for the entire questionnaire and 0.70 or higher for all domains. Objective data were collected from municipal databases and analyzed in ArcGIS using fuzzy overlay analysis of 11 urban land uses related to age-friendly indicators. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics (one-way ANOVA) in SPSS, alongside spatial analysis in GIS. The core of the methodology was the systematic integration of objective and subjective data through a comparative matrix.
Results and Discussion
The findings reveal a complex, multi-layered picture of spatial justice in Mashhad. Spatial analysis clearly shows an unfair distribution of services along a core-periphery model, with a high concentration in central and northwestern districts (Districts 1, 8, 9, 11) and increasing deprivation in peripheral areas, especially in the east and southeast (Districts 14-17). Objective analysis (Fuzzy Overlay in GIS) classified only 3 districts as "highly endowed" and 5 districts as "very low endowed," indicating a deep structural spatial gap. Subjectively, the highest satisfaction was with "open and green spaces" (mean=3.84), while the lowest was with "respect and social inclusion" (mean=2.41). One-Way ANOVA results confirmed a statistically significant difference in satisfaction levels between districts for six key domains (p<0.05). The integration of objective and subjective data identified four distinct spatial patterns: 1. Harmonious Endowed (Districts 8 & 12): High objective services and high subjective satisfaction. 2. Harmonious Deprived (Districts 5, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17): Low objective services and low subjective satisfaction. 3. Negative Gap (Districts 1, 2, 9, 11): High objective services but low subjective satisfaction, indicating a paradox where physical availability does not guarantee perceived quality (e.g., low satisfaction with transportation and health services despite good physical access). 4. Positive Gap (Districts 3, 4, 6, 7, 13): Low objective services but relatively high subjective satisfaction, potentially explained by strong social capital, community ties, and adjusted expectations, demonstrating social resilience. A notable finding was the lack of a statistically significant difference between districts in indicators such as financial situation and civic participation/employment, suggesting uniformity in the perception of these issues among the elderly across the city, likely due to shared generational experiences and intra-group comparisons.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that assessing an age-friendly city without integrating objective and subjective data simultaneously provides an incomplete and potentially misleading picture. Spatial justice is realized only when, alongside the fair distribution of services, their quality, suitability, and end-user perspectives are considered. Mashhad faces fundamental challenges in achieving spatial justice for its elderly population. The deep gap between central and peripheral areas, along with the identified paradoxes (negative/positive gaps), reveals a multidimensional injustice. The four-fold typology of districts provides an operational roadmap for policymakers and urban planners, advocating for targeted, area-specific strategies rather than one-size-fits-all policies. Ultimately, realizing a truly age-friendly and just Mashhad requires a fundamental shift in urban planning perspective—from a quantitative focus to a qualitative, human-centered approach that simultaneously addresses distributive justice, service quality, and social participation for the elderly.
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