Development and Validation of a Four-Dimensional Healthy Aging Database for Assessing Age-Friendly Built Environment and Public Facilities: A Municipal Case Study in Thailand

Population aging has become a significant global phenomenon, particularly in developing countries where urban systems are not fully prepared to support older adults. Although the concept of age-friendly cities has been widely promoted, many municipalities still lack an integrated database that links health, social, economic, and environmental dimensions to support policymaking and built-environment improvement. This study aims to develop and validate a four-dimensional healthy aging database framework for assessing age-friendly built environments and public facilities at the municipal level. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys, built-environment assessments, and functional ability evaluation using the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index. The study was conducted in Rangsit Municipality, Thailand, as a case study. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework can systematically integrate multidimensional aging data and identify priority areas for housing improvement, public facility modification, and community services. The framework also supports evidence-based decision-making and place-based policy implementation for age-friendly urban development. This study contributes a practical database framework and assessment tool that can assist local governments in evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable urban development and aging societies.