Cross-Cultural Lessons in Age-Friendly Design: A Systematic Review of Eastern and Western Strategies

Juanjuan “June” He

As global populations age at an unprecedented pace, culturally grounded and human-centered design strategies are urgently needed. This paper shares findings from a systematic review that investigates best practices in age-friendly design and policy across six countries: China, Japan, Singapore, Italy, Germany, and the United States. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping methodology, the study synthesizes 90+ sources to examine how diverse cultural, policy, and design traditions shape strategies for aging in place, caregiving models, housing, transportation, and community-based care. The analysis reveals both shared challenges and culturally specific approaches. While most older adults across these nations prefer to age in place, systemic barriers—such as unaffordable housing, caregiver shortages, and inaccessible transportation—persist. Cultural values like filial piety and intergenerational responsibility in East Asia, and innovations like social prescribing in Europe, offer rich comparative insight. The research proposes an Age-Friendly Design Strategy and Policy (AFDSP) framework that integrates preventive care, design education, and culturally responsive practices. Special attention is given to participatory and empathic design as pedagogical tools to reduce ageism and foster intergenerational solidarity. Drawing on my teaching experience and co-design work with immigrant older adults in Philadelphia, I share how design studios can serve as spaces of healing, inclusion, and innovation. This study invites dialogue on how educators, designers, and policymakers can collaboratively reimagine aging futures: rooted in care, respect, and culturally relevant design.