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.”