Despite the global spread of age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC), little is known about how these programmes address place-based inequalities. This article addresses this gap by applying a ‘spatial justice’ lens to examine AFCC initiatives in seven cities centred on the interrelated components of equity, diversity and co-production. It examines how older people participate in decision making (co-production), how resources and opportunities are distributed and accessed (equity) and how the identities and needs of diverse groups are recognised (diversity) within AFCC initiatives. The article uses a multiple case study approach to examine seven cities – Akita, Bilbao, Brno, Brussels, Manchester, Oslo and Quebec – drawing on city profiles and 44 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. The findings show that co-production occurs through universal participation structures involving residents of all ages, and through targeted structures designed specifically for older people, with the latter placing greater emphasis on representing the increasing diversity of older people. Equity is addressed through initiatives aimed at improving access to local infrastructure and services, although their redistributive effects remain unknown owing to limited evaluation and data. Diversity is reflected in targeted programmes for racially minoritised groups, sexual and gender minorities and people living with dementia. This article contributes to critical social gerontology by showing how a spatial justice lens supports a critical examination of age-friendly initiatives (AFIs), focusing on how older people are involved in decision making, who benefits from AFIs and which groups of older people remain excluded.
