Spatial Aging & Green Environments for a resilient, elderly-friendly city of Vienna

SAGE-Vienna investigates how the built environment supports spatial learning and memory in older adults, with the goal of informing inclusive and equitable urban design. SAGE-Vienna focuses on the identification of the moment when older adults switch from learning a new route (so-called encoding) to recalling it (so-called retrieval) and on measuring how greenery and landmarks influence the speed of that transition as well as general well-being of elderly. In a three-phase outdoor study in Vienna, older adults repeatedly walk a predefined route while wearing portable sensors (Electroencephalography (EEG), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) and eye-tracking). The participants first follow guided instructions, then repeat the route with minimal help and finally walk it independently while logging recognized landmarks. By comparing physiological signals across these stages, the project aims at detecting when memory takes over and how the built environment affects stress and learning. The results produce actionable thresholds (e.g., minimum green cover or landmark distinctiveness) and equity-adjusted recommendations for age-friendly urban planning. SAGE-Vienna contributes to SDG 3 (health), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 11 (sustainable cities), while supporting Vienna’s Smart Climate City Strategy and Vision Österreich 2050.