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Najafi P, Mohammadi M. Redefining Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods: Translating the Promises of Blue Zones for Contemporary Urban Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:365. [PMID: 38541364 PMCID: PMC10970552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The longevity and healthy ageing observed in Blue Zones offer valuable insights for contemporary urban neighbourhood planning and design. This paper reviews the age-friendly features of the built environment in Blue Zones, aiming to translate these insights into actionable strategies for urban neighbourhood development. Employing a systematic literature review and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) analysis of Google Street View imagery, this study assesses the built environments in Blue Zones, including housing, public spaces, and transportation systems. Key findings highlight the presence of adaptable housing, building designs that foster a connection with nature, and semi-public spaces that encourage social interaction and physical activity. A notable emphasis on walkability and limited public transport access was observed. The CNN analysis corroborated these findings, providing a quantitative view of age-friendly features. This research contributes to the academic discourse in urban planning and design by providing practical insights for developing age-friendly neighbourhoods, inspired by Blue Zones. It concludes by offering policy advice and future research directions for creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments conducive to ageing populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Najafi
- Chair Smart Architectural Technologies, The Built Environment Department, Eindhoven University of Technology, Vrt 7.29, Groene Loper 3, P.O. Box 513, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Chair Architecture in Health, The Built Environment Department, Han University of Applied Sciences, Postbus 5375, 6802 EJ Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Masi Mohammadi
- Chair Smart Architectural Technologies, The Built Environment Department, Eindhoven University of Technology, Vrt 7.29, Groene Loper 3, P.O. Box 513, 5612 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
- Chair Architecture in Health, The Built Environment Department, Han University of Applied Sciences, Postbus 5375, 6802 EJ Arnhem, The Netherlands
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Stefanadis C, Chrysohoou C, Tsiachris D, Antoniou CK, Manolakou P, Siasos G, Tsioufis K, Panagiotakopoulos G, Zaoutis T, Panagiotakos D. Extremely reduced COVID-19 mortality in a "Blue Zone": an observational cohort study. Hellenic J Cardiol 2022; 68:60-62. [PMID: 36152779 PMCID: PMC9492390 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christodoulos Stefanadis
- Corresponding author. Christodoulos Stefanadis, 9 Tepeleniou Str., 15452, Paleo Psychico, Attica, Greece
| | - Christina Chrysohoou
- First Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 114 Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsiachris
- Institute for Longevity and Study of Diseases associated with Ageing, 25 Kifisias Ave., 11523, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | | | - Panagiota Manolakou
- Institute for Longevity and Study of Diseases associated with Ageing, 25 Kifisias Ave., 11523, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Third Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 152 Mesogion Ave., 11527, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 114 Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 11528, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | | | - Theoklis Zaoutis
- Hellenic National Public Health Organization, 3-5 Agrafon Str., 15123, Marousi, Attica, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Panagiotakos
- School of Health Sciences and Education, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Ave., 17676, Athens, Attica, Greece
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Pietri P, Stefanadis C. Cardiovascular Aging and Longevity: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 77:189-204. [PMID: 33446313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular aging and longevity are interrelated through many pathophysiological mechanisms. Many factors that promote atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are also implicated in the aging process and vice versa. Indeed, cardiometabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension share common pathophysiological mechanisms with aging and longevity. Moreover, genetic modulators of longevity have a significant impact on cardiovascular aging. The current knowledge of genetic, molecular, and biochemical pathways of aging may serve as a substrate to introduce interventions that might delay cardiovascular aging, thus approaching the goal of longevity. In the present review, the authors describe pathophysiological links between cardiovascular aging and longevity and translate these mechanisms into clinical data by reporting genetic, dietary, and environmental characteristics from long-living populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Pietri
- Athens Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Research Institute for Longevity and Aging-related diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - Christodoulos Stefanadis
- Athens Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Research Institute for Longevity and Aging-related diseases, Athens, Greece.
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Tong J, Hei TK. Aging and age-related health effects of ionizing radiation. RADIATION MEDICINE AND PROTECTION 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmp.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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