Experiences of Urban Redevelopment, Community, and Belonging in Later Life

We welcome two speakers offering perspectives on the themes of urban redevelopment, community life, and belonging in later life. The presentations explore older people’s experiences in Shanghai (China) and Manchester (UK). Both speakers discuss how urban redevelopment processes are reshaping community life and older residents’ social networks and sense of belonging.

The session will be chaired by Dr Jingwen Zhang (Lecturer in sociology).

Professor Felicia F. Tian (Professor of Sociology at Fudan University, China) will discuss how older adults experience ageing in place within Shanghai’s rapidly transforming urban landscape, with particular attention to the city’s “15-minute community life circle” initiative. Felicia’s presentation will suggest that ageing in place in Shanghai is a negotiated and relational process—one that reflects both the challenges and the creative resilience of older adults navigating the shifting terrains of city life.

Dr Camilla Lewis (Senior Lecturer in architecture, University of Manchester, UK) will present ongoing research in North Manchester where she is carrying out fieldwork with older residents from marginalised backgrounds. She will discuss how redevelopment seeks to expand Manchester’s age-friendly housing options, but how the regeneration of communities should support existing cultural diversity, community life, and belonging among older residents.

Together, the Chinese and UK examples offer important insights about the impact of urban redevelopment on older groups.