Meeting the needs of aging residents has been a challenge for many cities. Some suburban communities are pioneering the conversion to an elder-friendly layout.
More places are responding to the desires of older residents who want to remain in their communities as long as they can. But doing so can be a challenge.
"As simple or as practical as that idea might sound, reshaping suburbia requires elected officials like Mr. Steele, as well as planners, developers, architects and builders, to address a host of issues. They can be as large as transportation networks and zoning codes, and as small as the type of cooktop installed in a condominium's new kitchen, one that has to be safe for people ages nine through 90.
'From the region down to the doorknob-that's the challenge: integrating it all,' says Andrés Duany, co-founder of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Co., an international planning and architectural firm based in Miami, and a leading voice in efforts to retrofit suburbia."
FULL STORY: Making Suburbia More Livable
Study: Walkability Can Help Reduce Dementia Risk
Walkable neighborhoods offer natural opportunities to stay active and engaged with friends and neighbors, increasing residents’ chances of remaining mentally and physically healthy longer.
Top Retirement Destinations in California: Where Affordability, Health, and Recreation Meet
These spots offer a balance of affordability, access to healthcare, and outdoor recreation opportunities that make them ideal for those seeking comfort and quality of life in their golden years.
Protecting Vulnerable Older Adults From Extreme Heat
People over 65 are at particular risk during heat waves and other climate disasters.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.
Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.
Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
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City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
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Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research