A/HRC/39/50 structures and supplement them as required for the most disadvantaged and isolated older persons. 73. Slum relocation and removal and dweller resettlement break up vital informal networks of disadvantaged persons that have been compensating for structural deficits. Urban strategies must not break those relationships of interdependence, but rather enhance social ties. They also need to include older persons in every step of decision-making to ensure that plans are inclusive and do not lead to marginalization and social isolation. 74. Older persons with dementia are likely to be disproportionately affected by changes in their neighbourhood. Familiar landmarks help people living with dementia to recognize their environment more easily.36 Since urban regeneration considerably alters neighbourhood characteristics, persons with dementia can easily become disoriented, feel unsafe and avoid going out, which compromises their independence and autonomy. 75. The promotion of age-friendly environments is a strategy to ensure that neighbourhoods respond to the needs of older persons and preferences without leading to their isolation or invisibility. Urban planning must be geared towards the equal participation of older persons in society. That includes measures that enhance the safety of older persons (for example adequate lighting and safe pedestrian streets), accessible environments and policies that aim to enhance intergenerational exchange and inclusion in the community. States must take care to maintain social networks and to retain community centres and other structures and institutions that are important to older persons and enable them to meet and engage socially and civically. They can also facilitate the creation of informal networks around older persons that can help fight isolation, but also provide assistance, enhance their feeling of security and improve their quality of life. 76. Gentrification may improve the availability and accessibility of some services, such as the construction of new hospitals. On the other hand, however, it can also render healthrelated services inaccessible. Day-care centres may be privatized or moved to other parts of the city owing to rising rents. Such situations have a particularly adverse impact on older persons, who are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions and have greater health-care and support needs. The lack of such services infringes the right of older persons to an adequate standard of living, as it puts them at high risk of poverty, health decline and exclusion. Related facilities must be available within safe physical reach and be accessible for older persons. 77. Architectural barriers can seriously affect the daily lives of older persons. They may be unable to leave their houses or to access public buildings, shops and other spaces owing to a lack of elevators or inaccessible pavements. In addition to the physical aspects of accessibility (accessible streets, transport and buildings), States should also take into account affordability and informational accessibility. 37 The lack of accessible transport and neighbourhoods can lead to the social exclusion of older persons in both developed and developing countries. IV. Conclusions and recommendations 78. The social exclusion of older persons is a complex process that involves the lack or denial of resources, rights, goods and services as people age, and the inability to participate in societal relationships and activities, available to the majority of people across the varied and multiple domains of society. It affects both the quality of life of older persons and the equity and cohesion of an ageing society as a whole, with significant implications for the enjoyment by older persons of their human rights. 79. Exclusion from material and financial resources in later life is one of the manifestations of social exclusion, which exacerbates the denial of basic human rights as well as limiting the choices and opportunities of older persons for a tolerable life. 36 37 16 Ibid., p. 18. See Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 14.