Inclusive Design in Response to Environmental Expectations of Older Women

Introduction of two concepts of social justice  and equal opportunities intends to bestow citizen rights to all members of the society. In this regard, inclusive design by fulfilling physical and  psychological needs of all, regardless of their gender and physical/mental abilities, aims at  enhancing citizens’ quality of life. At present, older women face more social, psychological and security problems in physical environment compared to other women and elderly population. In case ofproviding  equal  opportunities and attractive, safe, clean and   accessible environment in the community, older women’s social cohesion will be enhanced and results in extended social relations as well  as increasing hope to enjoy a dissent living. In addition, chances of safe and independent travel  would encourage their willingness to leave home and benefit from communities facilities. Present  paper with a descriptive research method and  review of documents first looks into the needs  and physical, mental, social and environmental  expectations of older women then, concepts  of inclusive design in neighborhood including accessibility, safety, pedestrian oriented and readability will be fully described . Strategies and propositions within the inclusive design approach constitutes the last section of the article.  The results of the study suggests; designing urban environment based on principles of inclusive design can improve the living conditions of  citizens ,especially older women and provides  opportunities for their safe and independent  presence in urban spaces.