A heritage of Roman culture developed by Portuguese during the nineteenth century, the Portuguese pavement is a good example of the potential dilemmas that can arise from age-friendly initiatives. That ancient city technology is not only a smart and eco-friendly solution but also an infinite source of inspiration for artists.
![Age-friendly Portuguese Pavement Photo by: Ricardo Ferreira](https://uni.oslomet.no/agesmart/wp-content/uploads/sites/738/2016/09/Images.jpg)
However, when it comes to pedestrian safety, in particular the safety of frail citizens, the Portuguese pavement might not be the most adequate technology available. In fact, it might represent a significant increased risk.
After a controversial decision, traditional neighborhoods in Lisbon, like Campolide and Saldanha, have already started to replace part of their traditional stone pavement. Initially, that movement seems to represent a clear dilemma that can arise when cities try to adapt in order to become more age-friendly. Replacement could mean the extinction of that important Portuguese tradition. But a solution found in Lisbon – the combination of both new and old pavements style – has opened a new window of opportunities.
The compromise found in this case might be also a good example of simple adjustments that can make the whole difference for an ageing society. The anxiety experienced during this relatively simple public decision is a common experience during the process of adapting places and spaces. The capacity to find compromises is perhaps the key skill to advance the age-friendly agenda.