Great Ideas for Senior-Friendly Communities

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The concept of remaining in one's home for as long as possible makes sense only to a certain point in time. Communities can address all of the land, transportation, and housing design issues above. But the reality is the majority of seniors 80+ require PHYSICAL assistance with at least 2 activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and ambulation. They are also require assistance with instrumental activities of daily living such as home maintenance, cooking, and bills paying. Nearly half of those 85+ will suffer from Alzheimer's or related dementia. These are the statistical realities.
The United States is already facing a critical shortage of long term care nurses and nurses aides (the people who will be needed to assist these seniors living at home). This number would need to TRIPLE by 2030, which has already been determined to be mathematically impossible. Yet these same workers can be up to 5 TIMES more productive in assisting seniors when working in congregate settings such as assisted living, versus spending up to 70% of their day looking at their windshield attempting to drive from home to home. In addition, the AARP study repeatedly referenced, and which states that 9 out of 10 "seniors" want to remain in their homes is also misleading. The survey is for those 55+. Rates of depression among those 85+, who are isolated, cannot drive, and may require assistance with the activities above are higher than that of any other age group. The reality is those who move into quality settings such as assisted living are more safe, better fed, more active, and happier than they were living at home.
For those who can remain healthy and/or utilize improvements in land use, transportation, and housing - along with new technologies to remain in their homes happily, all of the above is a great idea. But we need to understand the tipping point at which we not only do not have the resources to accommodate this setting, but where it may actually be the poorer of the choices available.
The Baby Boomers are the most social demographic of any generation every born. They have never been alone and will likely be the least amenable generation to social isolation - even if other accommodations are made. The 85+ population has doubled in the past 20 years and will double again by 2030. As we see more and more discussions of improvements in self housing for those 55+, we need to understand they do not offer a permanent solution.
Or perhaps even the best one.

Andrew Carle of VA 11:18AM January 25, 2012

I agree with the inclusive design philosophy, and in many ways Europe (http://www.designforalleurope.org/) has been leading the way in universal design for its citizens.
I’m so encouraged when I read articles like this one. However “inclusive design” is achieved, through the portal of “aging” or by other memes, society can be lifted by the built environment for an enhanced experience of living through informed design.
Posts like this one raise the consciousness of the reader and expand thinking in terms of what’s possible. Well done.
BTW: Gerontophobia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerontophobia); the fear of aging is often the result of things unrelated to getting older; many of the things we blame on aging have nothing to do with getting older. From the time we are born, to the time we die, we are all “aging;” talk about universal!
Patrick Roden
aginginplace.com

Patrick Roden of WA 1:22PM January 17, 2012

I think the first order of business is to stop thinking in terms only of "aging" and instead view from a perspective as "universal", "easy", and "convenient" for anyone of any condition or circumstance (even kids!). Why? Because this applies to all of us. Maybe not right this minute but ease-of-use and accessibility should be the norm, not the exception, and life happens so it could very well be your world if you're in a car accident, or returning from war.
Right now in housing everyone is enamored with "green building science" and being energy efficient. Not arguing with either, but who cares how much you're conserving if you cannot stay in the home or get around for some reason. We should be thinking about conserving personal energy. And I'll add it's not simply for "aging", we have a huge influx of wounded warriors who require accommodations.
Bottom line, all this is simply smart design and construction no matter who you are. Who wouldn't prefer less steps or wider doorways and hallways? We don't seem to mind automatic doors into retails stores.

Todd Hawkins of VA 11:23AM January 15, 2012