Defining Healthy City and Its Influence on Urban Well-being
Published at : 28 Jul 2023
Volume : IJtech
Vol 14, No 5 (2023)
DOI : https://doi.org/10.14716/ijtech.v14i5.6578
Whulanza, Y., Kusrini, E., 2023. Defining Healthy City and Its Influence on Urban Well-being. International Journal of Technology. Volume 14(5), pp. 948-953
| Yudan Whulanza | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus Baru UI, Depok 16424, Indonesia |
| Eny Kusrini | Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus Baru UI, Depok 16424, Indonesia |
" Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country
can possess." Winston Churchill's profound statement emphasizes the paramount
importance of investing in robust healthcare infrastructure, disease
prevention, and comprehensive public health initiatives. Amidst the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic,
the importance of designing healthy cities has gained significant attention. In
addition to addressing healthcare provisions and optimizing social and urban
environments, a comprehensive understanding of the population inhabiting the
city is imperative.
It is contended that the
health status of city residents serves as a paramount determinant of urban
well-being. By recognizing the intricate interplay between population health
and urban environments, policymakers and urban planners can effectively address
the challenges posed by pandemics and cultivate thriving urban ecosystems that
promote public health. This impact
extends to all age groups, including infants, youth, and the elderly, making a
holistic approach to urban design and public health imperative.
The aging demographic shift
has emerged as one of the major challenges of the 21st century. This
global phenomenon is evident when examining the trend data on the percentage of
the population over 60 years of age. While the world as a whole falls in the
middle range, more developed regions exhibit a significantly higher proportion
of individuals over 60. However, it is important to note that the slope of low-
and middle-income regions and countries is gradually increasing. Therefore,
aging is no longer solely an issue confined to northern regions but has become
a global concern.
In addition to the aging
population, non-infectious diseases and injuries impose a significant burden on
public health. Cancer and cardiovascular disease continue to account for the
highest death rates, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing these
conditions. Furthermore, while remarkable strides have been achieved in
reducing mortality from acute infectious diseases like Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, road traffic accidents have
surfaced as a growing concern. These accidents are interconnected with broader
determinants of health, necessitating comprehensive strategies to address their
impact.
Definition of Health
and Quality of Life Measurement
The World Health Organization
(WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental,
and social well-being, encompassing more than the mere absence of disease or
infirmity. Consequently, factors contributing to the state of health
include both natural and man-made environments, constituting a complex
ecosystem with interconnected elements that impact individuals in various ways.
The measurement of quality of life is primarily conducted through surveys, and
the WHO has developed its own survey instruments that are utilized worldwide.
These instruments are administered to both patients and individuals who are in
good health, as well as healthcare professionals. Available in over 20
countries and languages, these surveys serve as valuable tools for assessing
various aspects of quality of life, including subjective well-being, life
satisfaction, and objective determinants across different nations.
In addition to surveys, various ranking systems
play a significant role in enhancing our understanding of the quality of life
on a global scale. One such system is the US News ranking, which considers
multiple factors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic
stability to assess the overall quality of life in different countries. These
rankings provide insights into the objective determinants influencing quality
of life.
The Economist Intelligence Unit
employs a unique concept termed the "where-do-they-born index" to
evaluate the quality of life. This index transforms the notion of quality of
life into "the way to be born," focusing on opportunities for a
healthy, safe, and prosperous life. By examining subjective factors, life
satisfaction, and objective determinants across various countries, this index
offers a comprehensive assessment of the quality of life.
Another noteworthy measure of the
quality of life is the Muscles Quality of Life Index. This index evaluates
various dimensions of well-being, including physical health, psychological
well-being, social connections, and environmental factors. It provides a
holistic perspective on quality of life, considering both subjective
experiences and objective determinants. Singapore's top ranking in the Muscles
Quality of Life Index for Asia highlights its exceptional performance in terms
of providing a high quality of life to its residents. This recognition
underscores the city-state's success in areas such as healthcare accessibility,
social infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
Design
Considerations for Healthy Cities
Designing healthy cities
necessitates moving beyond two-dimensional spatial planning. Instead, a
three-dimensional approach is required, considering the volume of space in
which individuals exist. The COVID-19 pandemic has
underscored the importance of volumetric considerations, such as adequate
ventilation, to create healthy environments and mitigate the spread of
infectious diseases.
Climate change is a complex and
multifaceted topic that encompasses various aspects, one of which is the heat
island effect observed in cities. This phenomenon refers to the concentration
of heat within urban areas, which exacerbates the challenges posed by climate
change. One particular concern associated with increased heat is its impact on
vulnerable populations, such as older individuals and those who lack access to
air conditioning or sufficient cooling in their residences. These populations
are at a higher risk of heat-related health issues.
Extremely high temperatures can significantly
impact the productivity of the workforce. Working in such conditions can lead
to decreased efficiency and well-being, highlighting the importance of
addressing heat-related challenges in occupational settings. Furthermore,
ensuring environmental sustainability, maintaining cool temperatures, and
preserving air quality contribute to the creation of a healthy urban ecosystem.
Another critical issue arising
from climate change is the rising sea levels, particularly for coastal cities
like New York, Mumbai, Tokyo, and others located near bodies of water. Sea
level rise poses substantial risks and challenges to these cities,
necessitating proactive measures to mitigate and adapt to the changing coastal
environment.
Promoting
Interaction and Efficiency
Traditional city plans often
emphasize the segregation of recreational, industrial, and residential areas
for efficiency. However, optimal city design calls for creating variability and
connectivity in both form and function. Transportation choices have a visible
and tangible effect on the well-being of individuals and communities. Decisions
regarding the allocation of transportation resources can have profound health
implications.
Investing in mass transit systems
and promoting active modes of transport, such as bike lanes,
pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, and walkability initiatives, can positively
influence health outcomes. These measures contribute to reducing sedentary
behaviors, combating issues like obesity, and promoting mental health by
creating opportunities for outdoor activities and encouraging engagement with
the urban environment.
Conversely, decisions that
prioritize car-centric transportation systems can have detrimental effects on
health. Cars contribute to air pollution, which can worsen respiratory
conditions and have broader implications for public health. Furthermore, road
traffic accidents pose a significant risk to the safety and well-being of city
residents.