Elder Health

Elderly people interact with the built environment in ways that reflect changing lifestyles and changing physical capabilities. After retirement, people have more time to enjoy parks, recreational activities, and other community facilities.  At the same time, conditions such as chronic diseases and limited vision may limit mobility and create special needs. For example, an elderly person who is no longer able to drive but lives in an area with buses, transit, and other transportation options has the ability to stay mobile well beyond the capacity of many in suburban communities.

Housing is another example of an environment that can affect the lives of the elderly. From conventional apartments to assisted living facilities, a variety of design features can be helpful. These include adequate lighting, shelving that does not require climbing or bending, equipment such as telephones with large-print labels, and alternatives to stairs. Housing design should provide plenty of opportunity for physical activity. If elderly housing is located in walkable communities, near destinations such as libraries, stores, and places of worship, then elderly people can remain independent, active, and engaged. Combined transportation and land-use planning that offers convenient, accessible alternatives to driving can help the elderly reach this goal of an active, healthy lifestyle.