The OECD highlights how rapid demographic ageing in cities is reshaping urban life, urging governments to adopt “age-inclusive” policies that respond to the needs of all generations. For families and parents, this shift has important implications: investments in accessible transport, diverse housing options, safe urban spaces, and digital inclusion not only improve the well-being of older adults but also create more supportive environments for intergenerational households. Measures such as telemedicine, pedestrian safety, and reskilling programs strengthen care systems, ease pressure on working parents, and expand access to services for children and grandparents alike. By fostering age-friendly urban design and services, cities can promote family resilience, reduce care burdens, and enhance parents’ ability to balance work, caregiving, and community life—while failure to act risks higher social and economic costs in the future.
[OECD, April, 2025]
