MKDP wins OU grant to become a dementia-friendly city

Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has been awarded an Open Societal Challenges (OSC) grant from The Open University (OU) for its groundbreaking project, Milton Keynes: A Dementia Friendly City For All. The project aims to create an age-inclusive, accessible city environment, supporting both the older population and those living with dementia. MKDP, working in collaboration with The Open University, Age UK Milton Keynes, Alzheimer’s Society, and MK City Council, will use evidence-based research to guide future community planning, ensuring that Milton Keynes is a city where all residents can thrive. 

An inclusive vision for a growing aging population 

With a rapidly ageing population, the need to create accessible spaces is urgent. This project will focus on collecting valuable insights directly from residents of Milton Keynes – particularly older adults, individuals with dementia, their families, and caregivers. The goal is to make these voices central to decision-making, allowing their input to shape more accessible services and infrastructure. Utilising the Open Societal Challenges grant, the project will engage the Milton Keynes community and local organisations to promote inclusivity across the city. 

Multi-phase approach to creating a dementia-friendly Milton Keynes 

The project, which will be co-led by the OU’s Dr Hannah R Marston, Professor Louise Wallace, Dr Verina Waights and Iain Stevenson from MKDP, will begin with a city-wide assessment using the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ), a tool designed to gauge the age-friendliness of urban areas. During Phase 1, surveys will be conducted across a broad demographic range, gathering insights on accessibility and usability in public spaces. This data will be analysed against the World Health Organisation’s model for age-friendly cities, helping MKDP to identify key areas for improvement in Milton Keynes’ planning and infrastructure. 

In Phase 2, a comprehensive review of global best practices will support the development of localized strategies for Milton Keynes. This phase also involves a collaborative analysis with The Hague, a city working toward similar goals. With assistance from the Dutch Alzheimer’s Society, a dementia-focused survey will be adapted for Milton Keynes, allowing researchers to draw meaningful comparisons between the two cities’ efforts. 

A model for age-inclusive cities across the UK 

Beyond local impact, the MKDP project has broader implications for age-inclusive urban design across the UK. The team will share findings through stakeholder events, research publications, and policy briefings, extending the project’s influence on councils and organisations nationwide. As Milton Keynes works toward becoming a fully dementia-friendly city, it has the potential to set a precedent for inclusive urban planning, providing a replicable model for other cities seeking to support their ageing populations.