Abstract
Purpose: With particular focus on the analysis of elderly community space in local communities, this study aims to propose policies and points to consider in the planning and management of community space that can encourage the elderly to actively participate in community activities. Methods: The study explores five different Japanese community spaces that have been utilized as platforms for intergenerational interactions; the research was carried out by literature review, field work and interviews. Results: The results are as follows. First, the planning of the community space for the elderly must be combined with the space that the locals often use. Community space should not be seen as a place for a specific generation, but for everyone to interact with each other at any time; hence it must be fostered to be accessible for anyone regardless of age. Second, community space for the elderly requires to be planned as an accessible place for everyone such as cafes and restaurants. The adjacent areas require social infrastructure like libraries and public baths which are frequently used by people from various age groups. Third, in order to spark off the intergenerational community space as the stronghold of local communities, it needs to be a place where the elderly is given sufficient role and meaning as a member of the community. To achieve this, it is essential to support the locals to take active measures in creating job opportunities for the elderly and the disabled, and to develop voluntary self-sufficiency and volunteering programs.