I am afraid of getting old. I should clarify – I am not afraid of dying. I am afraid of being lonely and irrelevant. I am afraid of being shuttled off to an antiseptic nursing home, visited once a month by reluctant grandchildren.

Around the world are a few concentrated communities called ‘blue zones’ where people are defying that pattern and achieving exceptionally rich, active lives to the very end. Social scientists compiled a list of features that these communities share, and social interaction was a recurring theme. A sense of purpose, a sense of community belonging, and strong family ties all made the short list of factors that contribute to the quality and longevity of one’s life. Right now I am living in Beijing, and while neither it, nor any major city in America, qualifies as a blue zone, there are noticeable differences in the urban senior social experience.

Walking through the gardens of the Temple of Heaven on a warm Saturday afternoon, in between groups of tourists, you will find hordes of elderly Chinese men and women sitting on benches playing spirited games of cards, and Xiangqi (Chinese Chess). The games aren’t organized by a senior center to keep them busy – they have painted their own lively and dynamic social scene. They hang out with a sizeable group of friends on a regular basis, keep their minds sharp, have the opportunity to meet new people, and take a gorgeous walk to get there. Thinking about the typical urban experience of an octogenarian back home, that sounds vastly different. Why? Cultural difference aside, what is done differently that promotes active social circles among senior citizens?

I think that poor public transportation and infrastructure is a significant contributing factor towards the isolation often experienced by the elderly. Even if there are comfortable public spaces for available for socializing, they may be inaccessible. Transportation can be a huge obstacle to successful maintenance of fulfilling relationships. If you can’t drive, walk for long distances, or handle pushy crowds, meeting friends and family becomes a challenge. Without meaningful social contact, quality of life deteriorates, as does health. Beijing has impressed me with its bus-only lanes that shorten bus stop waits, updated handicap-accessible subway systems, and well-maintained public spaces. I’ve found it relatively easy to get around, and judging by the amount of senior citizens out and about, I’m not the only one. Infrastructure may not be a sexy political topic, but it literally and figuratively connects us to each other.