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In Germany, retirees have found a novel way to avoid being alone
Germany’s population is Europe’s oldest, second only to Japan globally. Today’s seniors are living vastly different lives than the previous generations. They are more likely to be on their own, live longer after retirement, and spend those years in better shape.
2016
Designing an Ageless Social Community: Adapting a New Urbanist Social Core to Suit Baby Boomers in Later Life
Since 90% of older adults prefer aging in place, it is important that neighborhood design supports successful aging. Beyond basic needs, research indicates quality interaction is associated with positive health and wellbeing benefits, particularly for older adults. In this, design supporting social relationships plays an essential role.
2016
Is Housing of Importance to Mental Health?
Poor housing quality is often associated with poor physical health such as respiratory illness from dampness, but the impact of housing on mental health should not be underestimated. Under the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, housing would fall under the bottom 2 tiers as in Figure 1, as a place to fulfil basic needs of warmth, rest, security and safety.
2016
Themes:
Aging in the 'Right' Place
Older US adults consistently report a desire to stay in their current homes as they age, which has given rise to the phrase “aging in place.” Indeed, an AARP survey in 2014 found that 88% of those 65 and older agreed that they would like to stay in their homes as long as possible.
There are good reasons to stay in one's own home, but, there are also many reasons that it may not be the best o
2016
Themes:
Homelessness and Older People
According to the ABS, 14,851 people aged 55+ were experiencing
homelessness on Census night 2011. People aged 55+ consist of
only 7% of clients accessing specialist homelessness services in 2014– 15. This is partly due to the service system design but also indicates that is a lack of beds for older Australians within the homelessness service system.
2016
Agile housing for an Ageing Australia
By 2055, Australia’s 65+ population will have doubled and, if current strategies are followed, it is likely that the housing available will be inappropriate. Today’s housing stock will still be in use yet few developers and designers are capitalising on the potential of agile housing and, more broadly, the creation of age-friendly neighbourhoods.
2016
Forget "downsizing", think "rightsizing" to meet older people's housing needs and aspirations
In the UK, many older people live in homes that are probably too big for their needs and budgets. If they were encouraged to downsize, and also given the choice of housing that would make downsizing appealing, they might well be persuaded to sell their home to a family who actually needs that sort of space.
2016
How Will Housing for Older Adults Change?
This US article looks at the three major trends driving the future of housing: changing demographics and related psychographics, a shift in health care from fee-for-service to more values-based models and accelerating advances in technology.
2016
Building Affordable Elderly Housing: How New Zealand’s planning system influences market outcomes
This paper explores the changing demographics of New Zealand’s elderly, the influence of the current planning system, and how planning has hindered the market’s ability to provide affordable elderly housing in areas of highest demand.
2016
Gendering Women's Homelessness
The importance of developing gender-sensitive policy responses to women's homelessness has emerged in recent literature on homelessness. To achieve this, policy responses must recognise the diverse and complex needs of all homeless women, including those accompanied or unaccompanied by their children.
2016
Themes:
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."