Samenvatting

This study examines how older adults in the Groningen cauliflower neighbourhood (bloemkoolwijk) of Beijum experience their living environment in relation to physical activity and social interaction. Designed for young families in 1970–1985, the neighbourhood now faces population ageing, raising the question of its age-friendliness. Eight in-depth interviews and walking interviews, supplemented by geotagged photographs, were used to explore both subjective experiences and the physical environment. Participants wish to remain living in Beijum and value its greenery, social contacts and proximity of amenities. They mainly travel by bicycle or on foot, supported by a network of cycling and walking paths. While they feel socially safe, they experience physical insecurity due to traffic intensity, shared paths and especially the poor quality of footpaths. This particularly affects older adults with reduced mobility and increases fall risk, leading many to walk on the more direct and better-quality cycle paths. Spontaneous encounters often occur during walks or at local amenities. Small physical interventions—such as adding benches or creating a coffee corner in the supermarket—can support these encounters. Improving footpath quality can enhance independent mobility and everyday social contact, thereby supporting ageing in place in the neighbourhood.