GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

In greater Portland, Ore., the need for co-housing has grown as people are finding it harder to afford a house.

They also are learning the benefits of clustered housing designed for positive cross-pollination between generations.

“Young people are finishing college, but staying home because they can’t afford housing.

Elders are outliving their incomes—the fastest growing population of homeless people in Oregon is elders.

Multigenerational living addresses those and other issues,” said Derenda Schubert, executive director of Bridge Meadows, defining “elders” as 65 and over.

Bridge Meadows has a trio of co-housing cluster options in urban and rural Oregon:

• An urban North Portland location with 36 total units with nine for families and the rest for elders.
• A suburban edition in Beaverton with 41 units—nine for families and 32 for elders.
• A rural setting in Redmond with 36 total units—10 for families and 26 for elders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

A Chicago Association of REALTORS® homebuying trends analysis backs Lautz’s insights.

It found that Gen Z homebuyers are purchasing the smallest homes at just under 1,500 square feet, and they are the generation most likely to own a home that’s not a detached single-family property.

Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research,  said housing affordability has become so difficult for so many Americans, that she has seen a rise in co-housing and other ways of creating cost savings.

GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research,  said the lack of housing volume and diverse types of housing within that lagging inventory is one of the biggest issues in the housing industry.

“We need to be building more homes to meet the demands out there.

Nearly a third of homes are selling for more than the asking price—there are bidding wars,” she said.

“We must build affordable units; that is what’s most in demand.”

She said America has the highest percentage of child-free homes ever—70 percent.

Her stats go back to 1985, when child-free homes were 58 percent of housing.

“A lot of people might want a small-square-foot property, single-family or multifamily, but we see a mismatch.

We keep seeing larger homes, new and old, coming to market, because a larger home has the biggest profitability,” she said.

“We need to look at bringing different types of units to market.

We also have to consider a significant amount of people who are buying a home with the intent of having an elderly relative or young adult living in that home.”

 

 

UNIVERSAL DESIGN MYTH BUSTING

HOSTED BY STARKLOFF DISABILITY INSTITUTE'S

NEWLY EXPANDED UNIVESAL DESIGN PROGRAM

Honored to cover two of five myths discussed during the April 10 Universal Design Myths Busted virtual panel presentation hosted by Starkloff Disability Institute's newly expanded UD program.

I was gratified to be part of an expert panel also featuring Tiffany Dill, Meaghan Walls and Gretchen Kingma.Speaking to a large online audience, we broke down common misconceptions about Universal Design and its impact on everyone.

Thanks to the incomparable Rachel Goldmeier and the entire Starkloff team for facilitating a dynamite, 75-slide program.

https://starkloff.org/services/universal-design/

GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

While many may assume that baby boomers sell their homes to downsize, reaping the cash equity of selling a large place to move to a smaller, less expensive home is not the top reason they are nearly half of home sellers.

“The No. 1 reason to move is to be closer to friends and family,” Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research,  said.

“As they enter retirement, they are relocating to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

The housing equity they have allows them to put down a larger downpayment—or pay cash—and compete in today’s housing market.

It gives them the flexibility to move to be closer to friends and family.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REST IN PEACE MIAMI CITY COMMISSIONER MANOLO REYES

YOU WERE A PASSIONATE PUBLIC SERVANT

Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes earned my respect and trust.

He and his hardworking staff resolved many illegal dumping, abandoned property, illegal construction and noise issues in my District 4 Shenandoah neighborhood.

May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in his life spent as a dedicated public servant.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article302095364.html#campaignName=miami_breaking_newsletter

GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

A look at trends, research and best practices can paint a picture of where we are now and how we can strive to make places—both inside and outside the front door—that serve our housing needs with dignity, inclusion and flexibility.

Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research, said the notable rise in younger homebuying is attributed to both younger (ages 25 to 33) millennials stepping into homeownership for the first time and older (ages 34 to 43) millennials transitioning to larger homes that suit their evolving needs.

“The big takeaway: that millennials as the biggest buyers is slightly counterintuitive because we know the struggles they have had with lack of stock, affordability and high cost,” she said.

“As Gen Z sneaks into the housing market in single digits, they are more likely to be a single woman and more likely to identify as a LBGTQ+ buyer.

As the desire to be a homeowner grows in Gen Z, we will see more diverse homebuyers.”

GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

Trends and demographics raise questions about where each generation wants to live and how they want to live.

• As America rapidly ages, are we building communities that allow people to age in place?
• Is the high cost and low inventory of housing—both for sale and for rent—putting the squeeze on all generations, especially Gen Z?
• Are builders delivering homes—both single-family and multifamily—that reflect what people in each generation want and need?
• Are there structural barricades to affordable and diverse housing?
• Is there some sweet spot of town planning and homebuilding that can create safe, healthy, amenity-rich communities that match the desires of multiple generations?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

Despite the high cost of housing, Generation Z or Gen Z (ages 18 to 24) accounted for 3 percent of all buyers.

Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research, noted this emerging group represents diversity and independence.

Nearly a third of Gen Z purchasers (31 percent) were single females—a proportion significantly higher than in any other generation.

Even though NAR research has proven that the supply of housing is far below demand, the report “underscored a rise in first-time buyers across many generations, with 32 percent of all buyers purchasing for the first time, an increase from 26 percent last year.”

 

 

 

GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

The U.S. Census forecasts that by 2034 there will be more people 65 years and older than under the age of 18 for the first time in history. America is rapidly aging and that means boomers and the Silent Generation are looking for housing that allows them to age in place.

That means millennials may be looking for a room within their home—or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)—to house their boomer or Silent Generation elder family members.

The 2024 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) “Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends” report, which examines the similarities and differences among recent homebuyers and sellers across generations, found that while millennials make up 38 percent of the homebuying market, baby boomers still play a significant role in the housing market, as they are 31 percent of the buyers and the largest home-seller generation—accounting for 45 percent of all sellers in the most recent NAR survey.

 

 

 

 

GENERATIONAL TRANSITIONS & TRENDS IN HOUSING

AARP URGES UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE HOMES

Perhaps the heavens have not shifted, nor have the planets realigned—but a seismic and historic shift is happening in the United States.

Housing, our most basic need and home base for everything we do and seek in life, is being defined in new ways by new generations. 

How we keep up with demand and trends—and create places where multiple generations can thrive together—will help define how and where we live through the rest of the 21st century. 

For the 10th time in 11 years, millennials (ages 25 to 43) are the biggest generation of homebuyers. In other words, the folks who were “just kids” to the baby boomers (ages 59 to 77) and Silent Generation (ages 78-98) are the trendsetters in what America wants in terms of housing.

MIAMI REFUSES TO PROTECT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

CARS DANGEROUSLY BLOCKING SIDEWALKS ARE NEVER TOWED

Welcome to Miami — where we despise pedestrians.

Dozens of times I have asked cops to tow cars blocking sidewalks — because it forces people with disabilities into dangerous streets.

The answer always is NO.

But Miami Police does tow vehicles (because we all know 5000 pound trucks and SUVs are more important than human lives.)

The city tows vehicles that: slightly block the roadway, park in areas temporarily roped off for festivals, break down in traffic, etc.

Basically, if it slows traffic by 1% -- it's towed.

If it endangers people with disabilities & all pedestrians by 100% -- it's ignored.

PLEASE STOP THE ABLEISM NOW!

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Carol Kachadoorian is a transportation planner and executive director of dblTilde CORE, a nonprofit that promotes active mobility infrastructure, especially for older adults.

While she praises Universal Design and wide, gently sloped curb ramps; smooth, unobstructed sidewalks; safe crosswalks; and transit that serves more than commuters, she also promotes active mobility.

It is a misnomer that as people age, they stop being active. 

If a person can no longer drive, they might take more trips by cycling.

“If we don’t design the right way, the person will be less inclined to be physically active,” said Kachadoorian, who leads a survey of people 50 and older that cycle.

“The fundamental thing is to create infrastructure that keeps older adults physically active. The result is better mobility, independence and dignity.”

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Jeremy Southerland, Gensler’s southeast region senior living practice area leader, said “When we talk about active adult communities/environments, the following is the current definition we’re using to measure our success: 

“Active adult communities offer independence, equity, and dynamic living environments.

They sustain and activate life experiences and are calibrated for adaptation to the evolving needs of the aging mind and body.

Active adult communities nurture life-span and well-span.”

Gensler also is designing what it believes is the next generation of 55+ active adult residences.

Willow Valley Communities’ Mosaic in Lancaster, Pa., is a 20-floor tower with 147 two- and three-bedroom units.

Ground floor retail plus memberships open to the public for Mosaic’s wellness center, spa and tower bar are designed to facilitate stronger connections with the community as a whole.

“By investing in the revitalization of downtown Lancaster, this project celebrates the important role that older adults play in the success of multigenerational urban communities,” Southerland said.

“Three lobbies take advantage of existing street slopes to ensure secure and easy access for residents enjoying the city, meeting friends for lunch and a show, going for bike rides, or returning from dinner in town.”

 

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Gensler, the largest design and architecture firm in the world, has senior living practice leaders.

The San Francisco-based firm has generated reports on intergenerational communities and is designing a groundbreaking project that will blend senior living with a major college campus.

The Varcity at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., will bring alums back to school for their senior years.

The complex of apartments, town houses, villas and flats will create 230 rental units on 14 acres.

About 60 percent of the units will provide independent-living options as well as assisted-living and memory-care units.

Tama Duffy Day, Gensler’s global senior living leader, said University officials hope Varcity at Purdue will allow residents and current students to interact and learn from each other.

The first floor of the main building will feature shared amenities for students and residents that will include an event design lab, lecture hall, makerspace, lifelong learning space, an early childhood learning center and a work-share space.

Varcity residents will have access to classes and lectures on campus and a school ID card that provides access to all campus facilities. Amenities will include dining areas, a bar, gym, aerobics space, a pool and spa, pickleball courts and an outdoor kitchen and grilling station.

“I think that to talk about planning tools, you must take a broader view… you can’t assume that if you install park benches and time your traffic lights to allow additional time for pedestrians, that you can call a community age friendly,” said Jeremy Southerland, Gensler’s southeast region senior living practice area leader.

 

 

 

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

To further foster intergenerational living and connectivity, Prairie Hill’s eco-friendly site is not isolated.

It is intentionally located on bus lines and biking and walking trails about a mile from the University of Iowa and downtown Iowa City—so most daily needs can be met without needing a car.

The development is adjacent to a relatively new, large, multifaceted city park.

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Barbara Bailey, co-founder and resident of Prairie Hill, explained the appeal of the co-housing developent.

“We have meals once a week cooked by volunteer cooks. Residents pay five dollars to cover the cost and it puts on a meal for the whole community. We call it Tasty Tuesday,” said Bailey.

“Vegetables are brought down from the garden and prepared for the meals.

“People come together in the common house. We have morning coffee, movie nights, game nights, even beer brewing.”

The development is structured as a condominium.

Bailey dubbed the governing structure as a “sociocracy—no one head person, but committees in charge of things.”

Bailey believes Universal Design is a must for intergenerational living and co-housing.

“Most units have roll-in showers, accessible baths, light switches accessible to people in wheelchairs,” she said.

“We hired an architect very versed in the ADA and inclusion.

You get through the grounds without using steps and the two-story community building has an elevator.”

 

 

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

In Iowa City, Iowa, the innovative Prairie Hill Co-Housing is a leader in co-housing, land stewardship, master planning, sustainability and intergenerational living.

The development is on 7.3 acres and has 37 residences with 55 residents.

Thirty of its units have earned LEED for Homes Gold Certification and it was a 2024 United States Green Building Council LEED Home Award winner in the Outstanding Multifamily category, earning praise as a leading example of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

“Some co-housing is restricted to people over 55, but we didn’t do that—we wanted the vibrancy of youth,” said Barbara Bailey, co-founder and resident of Prairie Hill.

“Life is centered on a 5,000-square-foot common house with a big kitchen, laundry and guest rooms.”

People buy units at Prairie Hill, which has studios, and one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

More than half the acreage is dedicated to orchards, gardens and land conservation.

The development is planted in prairie grass, so it does not need to be watered or mowed.

The all-electric homes are designed for energy efficiency. Solar panels generate more power than the development consumes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ART DECO AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN MIAMI’S LITTLE HAVANA

ACCESSIBLE / INCLUSIVE HOUSING CAN AND SHOULD BE BEAUTIFUL

Perfect Miami city block of Art Deco apartments has access ramps leading to accessible first floor units.

Dozens of 1948, 2-story apartments that resemble the colorful Pueblo Deco style.

Accessible and inclusive housing can and should be beautiful.

Miami-Dade County housing in Little Havana at SW 6 Ave & SW 4 St.

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Jim Elliott, senior transportation planner at Toole Design, said community engagement is key to designing places based on facts and needs, not stereotypes. 

He mentioned Toole Design’s work on the “LA Safe Routes for Seniors” project, which aims to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes involving older adult Angelinos.

The project team’s approach to engage seniors in the planning process has evolved over time to emphasize in-person engagement opportunities, such as senior center site visits and one-on-one interviews, instead of electronic methods, such as online surveys, which some may have difficulty using.

“We need to control speeds and make it more comfortable to traverse streets,” said Jeremy Chrzan, multimodal design practice lead at Toole Design.

“We need things like pedestrian refuges that break up the number of lanes people must cross.

We need raised crosswalks — they are outstanding for people using wheelchairs for mobility and they slow down drivers. Even material choice factors in.

Fancy pavers that look like stones might look nice, but they often settle and become tripping hazards.”

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

There is a misconception that older adults want to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city, or even the streetcar suburb, to live in isolated senior communities.

Jeremy Chrzan, multimodal design practice lead at Toole Design, said the fact is lots of older adults are moving into more urbanized areas.

Some are downsizing, leaving the big yard and big house for a smaller urban unit because they want nearby access to health care, recreation, the arts, shopping and more.

He said a well-connected transit system is key to intergenerational communities, because it connects people who are too young to drive, too old to drive or just plain don’t want to drive

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Jeremy Chrzan, multimodal design practice lead at Toole Design, said density is the key.

Many people equate density with Manhattan, but that is height, not density. Density can take the form of low- or mid-rise buildings with a mix of uses.

“The idea of greater density and where people can walk and bike is consistent with what people say they want,” Chrzan said, noting an Urban Land Institute study that revealed more than half of the people in the nation want to live in a place where they don’t have to use a car.

“There are a lot of linkages between land-use planning and development.

There is a chasm between what people develop and what people want to rent or buy.”

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Jim Elliott, senior transportation planner at Toole Design, said planning for seniors and intergenerational communities sometimes focuses on bike-pedestrian paths but forgets to address a healthy mix of land use. “Getting land use right is really critical for creating walkable communities.

You have to have the destinations that are nearby for people to go to—parks, stores, healthcare, places to exercise, people to visit,” he said.

Elliott said creating new or retrofitting existing areas to support intergenerational communities must provide a variety of transportation options.

He said his mother lives in an Arizona community intentionally designed for older adults.

“They made the mistake of assuming that everyone could drive,” he said of the Arizona 55+ community developed decades ago.

“It has great sidewalks, but they do not connect to stores or places people need to go. It causes a lot of stress for [his mom].

She is at the point of feeling uncomfortable in a car.

But she’s also feeling like she can’t give up her car because she can’t [do chores and errands] without it.”

 

 

 

 

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

In the APA research paper that he co-authored, Irv Katz, senior fellow emeritus at Generations United and former president & CEO of the National Human Services Assembly, cites major studies that both underscore the problems of today’s siloed living and makes the case for an emphasis on town planning centered on intergenerational interactions.

“The way we have planned our communities has had disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of children and older adults.

They suffer from a lack of safe spaces for independent mobility; a lack of public spaces that address their needs; and a lack of opportunities for social participation,” the report states.

“Anxiety and depression are on the rise in today’s adolescents (NIHCM Foundation 2021). Older adults are living longer, but many suffer from loneliness and social isolation (National Academies 2020).

We have an urgent need for a social recovery of our cities, and children and older adults must be centered in our response.”

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Irv Katz, senior fellow emeritus at Generations United and former president & CEO of the National Human Services Assembly, urged planners to be intentional about creating environments in which young and old connect organically to the benefit of both and benefit to society.

He said it would be great if mayors, planning commissions, county councils, etc., stopped the battle of single-family vs. multifamily zoning and instead focused on a range of housing types that are both affordable and conducive to intergenerational living.

WIDE, ACCESSIBLE, BARRIER-FREE SIDEWALKS BENEFIT EVERYONE

VISITORS ARE APPALLED AT THE MISSING, BROKEN AND BLOCKED SIDEWALKS THROUGHOUT GREATER MIAMI

OUR LEADERS SHOULD BE ASHAMED

Miami’s endless assault on pedestrian mobility—especially brutal for people with disabilities—is vomitrocious.

Developer builds a wider, welcoming sidewalk—then fire hydrant/posts subtract 40% of its space.

Clearly the hydrant could have gone in space outside sidewalk.

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Irv Katz, senior fellow emeritus at Generations United and former president & CEO of the National Human Services Assembly, said Universal Design should be emphasized in housing units and communities.

A barrier-free approach is a must for the one in four people that have some level of disability; it allows comfortable living for people who are aging; and it creates wide sidewalks and safer streets to cross for young people.

“It creates access to health and social services; schools, libraries and other public facilities; as well as commercial development where people work and meet their daily needs,” he said.

“It would be cool if planners thought of those elements not as different things, but as essential parts that must be woven together to create livable small communities within the big communities.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Irv Katz, senior fellow emeritus at Generations United and former president & CEO of the National Human Services Assembly, shared that nearly three million children are being raised by grandparents in this country.

But very little housing is being built to support that. Land-use regulations sometimes prevent it.

Katz said cities could learn from Plaza West, a 12-story, 223-unit apartment building in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Fifty units are targeted to “grandfamilies”—grandparents who are raising grandchildren where the parent is not present. The affordable development is next to a park, where more intergenerational interaction can take place.

“It is designed not just with single-bedroom apartments for seniors—which is typically what we do.

It has multiple bedroom units for grandparents raising two, three or four children,” said Katz, emphasizing that masterplans and zoning code must be more flexible to allow diverse housing.

“We can learn a lot from and should emulate immigrant communities.

They tend to have multiple generations under one roof.

Everyone benefits.”

 

 

 

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Irv Katz, senior fellow emeritus at Generations United and former president & CEO of the National Human Services Assembly, said planners are aware of the need for intergenerational communities, but the notion hasn’t “reached the levers of power”—

the mayors, congress members and others who can support intergenerational living with everything from zoning that allows it, infrastructure that encourages it, and funding that supports it.

“We do housing in developments as little islands. 

They may have sidewalks, but they may not connect to daily needs or even the adjacent neighborhood.

We need to think of clusters of neighborhoods that together create a village,” he said. “Walkability, bikeability and access for people with disabilities is a must.”

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Irv Katz, senior fellow emeritus at Generations United and former president & CEO of the National Human Services Assembly, co-authored a research paper on aging trends and placemaking for the APA.

He collaborated with Matthew Kaplan, Ph.D., professor of Intergenerational Programs and Aging in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education at Pennsylvania State University.

“We have this big boomer population that is retired or retiring.

Whether they are poor or wealthy, they get steered to live in [isolated elder communities],” Katz said.

“They only interact with children once or twice per year—when the grandchildren arrive or a scout troop comes in to sing Christmas carols.

We must plan for housing that doesn’t create such silos.”

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Considering that America is rapidly aging, a huge emphasis has been placed on aging in place. In countless surveys, about three out of four Americans don’t want to have to move to an oft-isolated, senior-only community just to have homes that are more accessible, that don’t require walking up and down stairs, and that have showers to walk or roll into instead of tubs to fall over.

The American Planning Association (APA) and many leading urban designers agree that more has to be done to create communities that are inclusive to all ages and abilities.

They are striving for communities that include co-housing, all-ages parks, multigenerational cultural centers and Universal Design to create easy access for all—to harness the benefits of intergenerational living.

CREATING INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITIES

MIXING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT LEADS TO HEALTHIER, MORE FULFILLED, BETTER CONNECTED AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

For much of the 21st century, planning concepts have taken aim at the development patterns of the second half of the 20th century.

Studies showed the inequity, isolation and obesity that car-centered land use created and the resulting large suburban lots, giant highways and total reliance on automobile ownership to connect to jobs, schools, shops, healthcare and even parks.

With all the movement toward healthier cities, inclusion and connectivity—planners, regulators and developers may still have missed an essential element: Interaction among all ages.

The number of mixed-use, multimodal communities where multiple generations live among each other is growing, but still the different age groups don’t interact and benefit from each other.

Intergenerational communities are places intentionally designed to encourage seniors, youth, and those in between to interact, exchange ideas, help each other out... and thrive.

 

 

MIAMI BEACH CONTRAGULATES ITSELF FOR BEING INCLUSIVE

WHILE ENSURING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE EXCLUDED

The Marlin Hotel is an historic Art Deco gem in the heart of South Beach.

The Collins Avenue landmark has a nice restaurant.

The City of Miami Beach is content to prevent wheelchair users from entering.

The locked gate blocks wheelchair users from using the marked accessible route.

I know Global Accessibility Awareness Day focuses on digital access for people with disabilities.

But I discovered this on GAAD, so I will go old school and make this GAAD post about physical access.

The city allows buildings to have certificates of occupancy and business to make millions while discriminating against wheelchair users.

Must people with disabilities scream and beg for dignity and access?