Smart City Pandemic Response and Digital Equity for Age-Friendly Amman

Rania J. Qutieshat ()
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Rania J. Qutieshat: Planning and Project Management Department, Faculty of Business, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt 19117, Jordan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-22

Abstract: Rapid urbanization and aging population present global challenges for smart cities, especially for equitable pandemic response and age friendly urban transitions. This paper through a two-round Delphi study assessed Amman’s efficiency in pandemic response focusing on digital inclusion for older adults and critical barriers to age-friendly urbanism. The results indicate moderate satisfaction with Amman’s overall pandemic response alongside significant limitations, particularly in digital equity for older adults. Key systemic barriers included compromised air quality, inadequate public transportation, notably poor public Wi-Fi, and deficient digital infrastructure. Furthermore, political and financial obstacles, such as high living costs and low governance transparency, significantly hindered progress. Experts prioritized solutions emphasizing improved physical accessibility, expanded green spaces, and enhanced digital literacy. This study underscores the urgent need for integrated, multi-dimensional strategies, including participatory governance and targeted digital inclusion programs, to foster sustainable and equitable smart city development that enhances resilience and inclusiveness for aging populations in post pandemic urban planning contexts.

Keywords: smart cities; age-friendly cities; Amman; COVID-19; Delphi study; urban resilience; elderly inclusion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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