The Age-Friendly Mobility in Istanbul: 65+ and Transport Workshop was organized on 24 June 2025 within the framework of the Istanbul Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SKUP) Phase II Project. The workshop addressed the urban mobility experiences of individuals aged 65 and over, discussing issues such as accessibility, pedestrian safety, and information systems. Participants shared their recommendations for sustainable and inclusive transport policies. The event also contributed to SKUP’s communication and awareness-raising strategies.
Planned to highlight the transport experiences of people aged 65+ and to introduce sustainable mobility policies in this area to the public, the workshop brought attention to the importance of accessibility for older adults and their use of public transport in Istanbul. Participants emphasized that age-friendly mobility is not only about physical access but also closely linked to social inclusiveness.
In the morning sessions, Seda Özdemir, Deputy Head of IMM Transport Planning Department, presented Istanbul’s sustainable mobility vision with a focus on the 65+ population and explained how the SKUP approach responds to demographic change. The afternoon program introduced the overall structure of SKUP and pilot projects implemented in Istanbul. At the end of the day, participants shared their needs and suggestions related to transport during a forum session.
The program included four main sessions: “What is Sustainable Mobility?”, “What is Istanbul SKUP?”, “Introduction of Pilot Projects”, and “Forum/Evaluation Session.” Questions raised throughout the workshop revealed shifts in participants’ perceptions of the subject.
Participants put forward suggestions such as simplifying information systems in public spaces, improving pedestrian safety, and facilitating older adults’ access to digital mobility applications.
Contributing to the vision of an age-friendly city, the workshop also provided valuable insights for the communication and awareness strategies of the SKUP Project.
