Smart and Inclusive Cities: Challenges and Perspectives for Aging in Salvador, Bahia

Resumo

This article explores the intersection between smart cities and the challenges posed by global population aging, with a focus on the city of Salvador, Bahia. It addresses whether current smart city initiatives are genuinely inclusive and human-centered, especially for the elderly. Drawing on updated data from the United Nations, IBGE, and WHO, combined with a bibliographic review of recent studies, the methodology follows a documentary and exploratory approach that allows for the correlation between demographic indicators, smart city rankings, and the WHO age-friendly city framework. The study highlights demographic shifts and the accelerated aging process in Brazil, which demands urgent adaptations in public infrastructure, healthcare, and digital inclusion. The concept of age-friendly cities, guided by the WHO framework, is used to discuss strategies that support active aging, emphasizing mobility, accessibility, social participation, and technological access. The paper also examines the role of smartphones and wearable health-monitoring technologies in promoting digital inclusion and improving the quality of life for elderly citizens, even when direct interaction with devices is limited. Salvador ranks highly in national smart city indices, particularly among northeastern capitals, yet falls behind in key indicators for elderly support, such as health and accessibility. Although some efforts are underway — such as adapted public transport and metro systems — structural urban barriers persist. The analysis concludes that while Salvador has the potential to evolve into a model of an inclusive smart city, significant gaps remain in aligning technological innovation with the social and human dimensions of aging. Bridging this gap will require coordinated public policies, community engagement, and a redefinition of what “smart” truly means in a society increasingly shaped by its older population.