Aging, space rights in the context of aging and equitable sharing of spatial

In industrial and post-industrial societies, as Western societies progress into advanced age cycles, social aging becomes more pronounced. The phenomenon of aging is notably accentuated in urban areas within these societies. With a considerable proportion of the population residing in urban locales and utilizing the infrastructure within, a demographic shift is observed. Notably, as per the 2023 report by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Turkey's total fertility rate stands at 1.51, indicating a rapid aging trend within the Turkish populace. A significant majority, approximately 85%, of the country's inhabitants dwell in urban settings, with the Western Anatolian provinces exhibiting a relatively higher rate of aging. As society evolves in response to aging demographics, the necessity for novel spatial planning becomes increasingly apparent. While the progression of time and aging follows a linear trajectory, the static nature of physical space engenders disparities in its utilization. Hence, this study delves into the issues of aging and equitable spatial allocation, particularly concerning the elderly. The primary focus pertains to the examination of just space distribution among the aging population, questioning the themes of aging, old age, and spatial rights. The study initiates by elucidating the nuances of aging/old age and social aging within the spatial context. Subsequently, a discourse on fair spatial distribution interconnected with aging/old age is undertaken within the framework of spatial rights. Insights derived from a field study encompassing 30 participants across diverse neighborhoods in the Nazilli district of Aydın during February and March 2024 underscore the significant influence of local characteristics on the elderly's lived experiences. Evidently, in urban areas witnessing a progressive surge in social aging, such as Nazilli, the lack of alignment between spatial arrangements and the everyday routines of elderly individuals is palpable. As time inexorably marches on and society continues to age, the absence of deliberate spatial planning tailored to the needs of the elderly becomes apparent, extending even to newly developed neighborhoods. Regrettably, the prevailing circumstance amplifies the absence of spatial planning founded on principles of "rights," consequently impeding the equitable sharing of space.