ISO 25553-1:2026

Ageing societies — Framework for smart multigenerational neighbourhoods — Part 1: Requirements and recommendations

This document provides requirements and guidance for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of smart multigenerational neighbourhoods. It establishes a framework for neighbourhoods to deploy enabling systems that actively support, adapt to and care for people of different ages and abilities as their needs change across the life course, enhancing wellbeing and addressing long-term pressures related to ageing, health, care and community resilience. This document applies to both new developments and the enhancement, regeneration and retrofitting of existing neighbourhoods and real estate. It is intended for use by public authorities, investors, planners, developers, designers, service and technology providers, systems integrators, and community and civic organisations involved in neighbourhood planning, delivery and long-term stewardship.

Vieillissement de la population — Cadre pour les quartiers multigénérationnels intelligents — Partie 1: Exigences et recommandations

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 03-Jun-2026
• ICS: 03.080.30 - Services for consumers
• ICS: 13.020.20 - Environmental economics. Sustainability
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 314 - Ageing societies
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 314 - Ageing societies
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 04-Jun-2026
• Due Date: 06-May-2026
• Completion Date: 04-Jun-2026

Overview

ISO 25553-1:2026 sets out an international framework for the creation and enhancement of smart multigenerational neighbourhoods. This standard responds to the growing need for resilient, inclusive communities that cater to people of all ages and abilities, especially in light of global trends in ageing populations. The standard presents requirements and recommendations to guide the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of neighbourhoods that prioritise wellbeing, health, care, and community connection. It is applicable to both new neighborhood developments and the retrofit or regeneration of existing urban and real estate assets.

The guidance in ISO 25553-1:2026 is intended for a wide range of stakeholders, including public authorities, urban planners, developers, investors, service and technology providers, systems integrators, and community-focused organizations. The ultimate aim is to foster multigenerational environments that are adaptable, supportive, and capable of evolving as people’s needs change throughout their lives.

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Key Topics

ISO 25553-1:2026 covers a broad array of topics central to modern urban living and ageing societies, including:

• Inclusive and Universal Design
  Emphasises neighbourhood environments that enable participation and access for all, regardless of age or ability. Incorporates universal and inclusive design principles.

• Multi-stakeholder Collaboration
  Provides models for collaborative governance, community engagement, consensus-building, and shared responsibility to ensure that neighbourhood development responds to local needs and values.

• Social Innovation and Ethical Governance
  Encourages innovation in social infrastructure, technology, and care services while highlighting the importance of ethics, stewardship, and data privacy.

• Lifelong Learning and Intergenerational Exchange
  Promotes environments supporting continuous learning, reskilling, active involvement in community life, and opportunities for intergenerational engagement.

• Smart and Digital Infrastructure
  Recommends implementing robust digital platforms and smart technologies-such as AI-driven health monitoring, wearable devices, home automation, and cognitive neighbourhood systems-to enhance wellbeing and care.

• Resilient, Sustainable Neighbourhoods
  Addresses climate resilience, sustainable business models, and adaptable infrastructure for diverse and changing demographics.

• Neighbourhood-based Health, Social Care, and Mobility
  Lays out strategies for decentralising health and care delivery, fostering community health hubs, and enabling inclusive, sustainable mobility.

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Applications

Implementing ISO 25553-1:2026 in practice enables various organisations to:

• Plan and Design Neighbourhoods for All Ages
  Create liveable, accessible spaces that foster independence, dignity, and social participation across generations.

• Enhance Existing Neighbourhoods
  Guide the regeneration and retrofitting of urban areas to support ageing populations and strengthen community resilience.

• Integrate Technology Responsibly
  Develop digital and smart systems for neighbourhood management, accessible health and care, and active community engagement while maintaining ethical governance and privacy standards.

• Promote Sustainable Social and Economic Models
  Identify innovative investment, governance, and service delivery models that ensure neighbourhoods can adapt and remain viable over the long term.

• Support Lifelong Learning and Intergenerational Collaboration
  Encourage shared learning environments and programmes that bridge generations and drive inclusive social innovation.

Stakeholders such as public sector agencies, real estate investors, municipal planners, community groups, and technology developers can use this standard to strategize, assess, and benchmark their neighbourhood initiatives.

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Related Standards

Implementing ISO 25553-1:2026 effectively may also involve referencing related standards, including:

• ISO 37101: Management systems for sustainable development in communities
• ISO 26800: Ergonomics - General approach, principles, and concepts
• ISO 9241 series: Ergonomics of human-system interaction
• IEC and additional ISO standards: Especially in areas of smart infrastructure, digital interoperability, and ethical technology use

Leveraging these standards ensures a harmonized, best-practice approach to building smart, sustainable, and caring multigenerational neighbourhoods that meet the complex needs of ageing societies.

Standards Content (Sample)

International
Standard
ISO 25553-1
First edition
Ageing societies — Framework
2026-06
for smart multigenerational
neighbourhoods —
Part 1:
Requirements and
recommendations
Vieillissement de la population — Cadre pour les quartiers
multigénérationnels intelligents —
Partie 1: Exigences et recommandations
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .viii
Introduction .ix
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 1
3.1 Terms and definitions .1
3.2 List of abbreviated terms .6
4 Development of a smart multigenerational neighbourhood . 7
4.1 General .7
4.2 Diversity of human characteristics and functions to be considered within the
neighbourhood .7
4.3 Practical design considerations for smart multigenerational neighbourhoods .8
4.3.1 General .8
4.3.2 Universal design (UD) and inclusive design (ID) .9
4.3.3 Integration of diverse domains .9
4.3.4 Supporting intergenerational active involvement .10
4.3.5 Design with nature .10
4.3.6 Flexibility and adaptability .10
4.3.7 Quality of life and wellbeing .10
4.4 Alignment with related standards .11
5 Multi-stakeholder collaboration models .11
5.1 General .11
5.2 Collaborative governance .11
5.2.1 General .11
5.2.2 Economic feasibility and risk mitigation . 12
5.2.3 Collaborative benefits . 12
5.2.4 Adaptive approach to collaboration . 12
5.3 Community engagement and shared responsibility . 12
5.4 Consensus-building mechanisms. 13
5.5 Planning for all ages . 13
5.6 Global adaptability . 13
5.7 Accountability framework .14
5.8 Implementing strategies .14
5.9 Relevant ISO and IEC standards . 15
6 Social innovation .16
7 Ethical governance for smart multigenerational neighbourhoods . 17
7.1 General .17
7.2 Ethical principles .18
7.3 Governance, stewardship and accountability .18
7.3.1 General .18
7.3.2 Public sector role.19
7.3.3 Ethical design and participation .19
7.3.4 Technology and data ethics .19
8 Lifelong learning and fresh perspectives .20
8.1 General . 20
8.2 Lifelong learning: mental and social benefits . 20
8.3 Second careers and employment opportunities .21
8.3.1 General .21
8.3.2 Reskilling for second careers .21
8.3.3 Inclusive employment models .21
8.3.4 Home-based entrepreneurship .21
8.3.5 Digital literacy and access to learning platforms . 22

iii
8.3.6 Access to e-learning platforms . 22
8.3.7 Fostering intergenerational learning and community engagement . 22
8.3.8 Community participation and active involvement . 22
9 Building sustainable neighbourhoods: services, governance and investment .23
9.1 General . 23
9.2 Bridging the financial gap . 23
9.3 Encouraging innovation and investment . 23
9.4 Sustainable business models .24
9.5 Innovative financial instruments .24
9.6 Digital platforms for neighbourhood management .24
10 Design for life.25
10.1 General . 25
10.2 Structured co-creation process for inclusive design . 25
10.3 Community goals and metrics definition . 25
10.4 Assessment of smart technologies . 26
10.5 Adaptability for diverse contexts . 26
10.6 Leveraging compatible standards and guidelines .27
11 Planning and design .27
11.1 General .27
11.2 Collaborative and inclusive planning process . 28
11.3 Collective decision-making . 28
11.4 Participatory planning and integrated neighbourhood development . 28
11.5 Leveraging compatible standards and guidelines . 29
12 Planning and placemaking .29
12.1 General . 29
12.2 Consistent planning definitions and categories . 29
12.3 Community needs assessments. 30
12.4 Integrated public spaces and services . 30
12.5 Site allocation for diverse housing and infrastructure . 30
12.6 Streamlined planning processes .31
12.7 Training and capacity building .31
12.8 Incentives, innovation and shared learning ecosystems .31
12.9 Local plan integration .32
12.10 Monitoring and assessment .32
12.11 Alignment with compatible standards and guidelines . 33
13 Regeneration for smart multigenerational neighbourhoods .33
14 Creating inclusive public spaces for connection and community .34
14.1 Overview . 34
14.2 Walkability . 34
14.2.1 General . 34
14.2.2 Third places . 35
14.2.3 Greening: definition and importance. 35
14.2.4 Blue spaces: definition and importance . 36
14.2.5 Space making: empowering residents to shape their environment . 36
14.2.6 Public art: enriching neighbourhood life through cultural expression . 36
15 Key neighbourhood and dwelling design considerations .37
15.1 Respecting and enhancing existing context .37
15.2 Safety and security . 38
15.3 Built environment . 38
15.4 Mixed-use integration . 39
15.5 Design requirements and recommendations for housing . 40
15.5.1 General . 40
15.5.2 New multigenerational living arrangements . 40
15.5.3 Multigenerational community design .41
15.5.4 Dwellings: mix .42

iv
15.5.5 Dwellings: universal and inclusive design .43
15.5.6 Accessible and adaptable housing design principles . 44
15.6 Hybrid and inclusive supported neighbourhood living .45
15.7 Design considerations for vertical neighbourhoods .45
15.7.1 General .45
15.7.2 Mobility, accessibility and safety in vertical neighbourhoods . 46
15.7.3 Green spaces and mental wellbeing in high-density settings . 46
15.7.4 Mental wellbeing, crowding and privacy in vertical environments . 46
15.7.5 Social connection, security and emergency preparedness .47
15.7.6 Cognitive, cultural, and spiritual inclusion .47
15.8 Specialist housing .47
15.8.1 General .47
15.8.2 Provision, integration and neighbourhood connection .47
15.8.3 Specialist housing design – placemaking, adaptability, and wellbeing . 48
16 Retrofitting and remodelling towards smart multigenerational neighbourhoods .49
17 Design for resilience . 51
17.1 General .51
17.2 Operationalisation of resilience .51
17.3 Climate resilience for ageing populations .52
18 Digital infrastructure as the foundation for smart multigenerational neighbourhoods .52
18.1 General .52
18.2 Establishing digital plumbing . 53
18.3 Digital plumbing in practice . 54
18.4 Moving beyond connectivity: towards cognitive neighbourhoods . 54
19 Secure, inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystems .55
20 Smart infrastructure as a foundation for cognitive health and care services .57
20.1 General .57
20.2 Designing for cognitive health and care services.57
20.3 Cognitive neighbourhood infrastructure . 58
20.3.1 Digital hubs and cognitive systems . 58
20.3.2 Seamless community connectivity . 58
20.3.3 Robotic systems for health and social support . 58
20.3.4 Data integration and interoperability .59
20.3.5 Public health as an active entity .59
20.3.6 Intelligent energy systems for cognitive neighbourhoods .59
20.4 In-home and personal technologies in cognitive contexts . 60
20.4.1 General . 60
20.4.2 AI-driven health monitoring . 60
20.4.3 Robotics and ambient intelligence .61
20.4.4 Home automation for wellbeing .61
20.5 Wearable health technologies in cognitive contexts .62
20.5.1 General .62
20.5.2 AI-enabled wearables and predictive insights .62
20.5.3 Wearable robotics for enhanced mobility .62
20.6 Data flow, cognitive analysis and management .62
20.6.1 General .62
20.6.2 Data exchange for cognitive processing . 63
20.6.3 Privacy, security, and ethical AI standards . 63
20.7 Ensuring a future-ready, cognitive environment . 63
20.7.1 General . 63
20.7.2 Scalable and adaptable cognitive infrastructure . 63
20.7.3 Continuous learning and feedback integration . 64
20.7.4 Active stakeholder involvement . 64
20.8 Requirements in other standards . 64
21 Decentralising neighbourhood-based health and social care .64
21.1 General . 64

v
21.2 Empowering social care: a blueprint for a digital age . 65
21.3 Key principles for empowering social care in the digital age . 65
21.3.1 Community-centric approach . 65
21.3.2 Inclusivity and accessibility . 66
21.3.3 Integrated systems for community wellbeing . 66
21.3.4 Public health as a shared resource.67
21.3.5 Focus on preventative measures .67
21.3.6 Digital empowerment for care providers .67
21.3.7 Person-centred care for all ages and abilities .67
21.3.8 Ethics, privacy and trust . 68
21.3.9 Collaborative community involvement . 68
21.3.10 Collaborative models for risk-sharing and sustainability . 68
21.3.11 Telecare and telehealth in context . . 69
21.4 Decentralised medical procedures and community-based care . 69
21.4.1 General . 69
21.4.2 Virtual wards . 69
21.4.3 Neighbourhood-based health and wellbeing hubs .70
21.5 Neighbourhood-based care environments .71
21.5.1 General .71
21.5.2 Neighbourhood-embedded care environments. 72
21.5.3 Adaptive and connected living settings . 72
21.5.4 Optimising existing assets for sustainable transformation . 73
21.5.5 Neighbourhood health centres: Integrated community hubs .74
21.5.6 Community empowerment and social participation .74
21.5.7 Digitally enabled, localised care . 75
21.5.8 Accessibility and inclusivity.76
21.5.9 Preventative and population health focus .76
21.5.10 Community-driven design and flexibility . 77
21.6 Dementia-inclusive environments . 77
21.7 Redefining palliative care in the community . 78
21.7.1 General . 78
21.7.2 Designing for dignity and comfort . 79
21.7.3 Technology-enabled, person-centred support . 79
21.7.4 Engaging families, caregivers and the community . 80
21.7.5 Normalising end-of-life as part of life . 80
22 Reframing mobility for all .81
22.1 General . 81
22.2 Designing inclusive mobility ecosystems . 82
22.3 Digital and intelligent mobility infrastructure . 82
22.4 Community co-creation and evaluation . 83
22.5 Empowering micromobility . 84
22.6 Foundational mobility infrastructure . 85
22.7 Accessible parking and drop-off zones . 85
22.8 Mobility for independence and social connection . 86
22.9 Sustainable and environmentally responsible mobility . 86
22.10 Safety and road design . 87
22.11 Participatory monitoring of mobility safety and usability . 87
23 Bridging generations: a blueprint for shared learning .88
23.1 General . 88
23.2 Childcare and community learning settings . 88
23.3 Youth engagement and intergenerational connection . 89
23.4 Intergenerational shared spaces and programmes . 89
24 SMNs: cultivating neighbourhoods that care ‒ for life .90
24.1 General . 90
24.2 Neighbourhoods built for strength, shaped to adapt . 90
24.3 Cognitive housing and disruptive models of care . 90
24.4 Neighbourhood-powered innovation .91

vi
24.5 Investing in places people believe in.91
24.6 Enabling continuity of living .91
Bibliography .92

vii
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 314, Ageing societies.
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complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

viii
Introduction
0.1  General
In 1929, Clarence A. Perry’s Neighbourhood Unit Concept introduced a new way of organising life for an
industrialising society. At a time of rapid urban growth, Perry reorganised cities around people, bringing
schools, services, and public space together within walking distance. This simple but powerful idea shaped
how communities functioned for much of the twentieth century.
Nearly a hundred years later, societies across the world are entering a moment of comparable consequence.
People are living longer than ever before, often with needs that change gradually over time and cut across
health, housing, care, and community life. By 2050, more than two billion people will be aged 60 and over,
while those aged 80 and above will have tripled. At the same time, the World Health Organization reports
that one in six people globally experiences loneliness, a factor now recognised as having profound impact
...