This chapter addresses complexities and controversies regarding the conceptualization and creation of age-friendly cities. Many of these reflect unresolved issues concerning the very nature of age-friendly cities, including what they are, whom they are for, how they can be created, and indeed whether or not age-friendly cities are even desirable or possible. The chapter first examines overarching perspectives and underlying conceptualizations of age-friendly cities, then explores the characteristics that are indicative of age friendliness, follows with a critical examination of approaches to helping cities become more age-friendly, and closes with a number of issues that require further attention if we truly are to create livable communities for all ages. // (2016)
