Place for the Aging

Abstract

I will be researching the demographic transformation of our era, aging population. The research will investigate how the growing elderly population will cause an increased demand for senior living; and how to effectively design cities and communities to evolve with the changing population. Designing an appropriate solution requires an understanding of the current cultural trends, such as, a society driven culture centered around exclusion. Elderly adults are often seen as a social service need and not as a part of society that requires community planning. The housing market is driven by buyers who are healthy and have financial stability. American culture holds a lack of respect for the elderly population. Recent polls show that elderly people do have a desire to age in place; however, studies have shown that for many people, aging within an urban environment is healthier and a more ethical solution.