DETROIT: Will your community thrive or fail in the next 30 years? The answer, in part, is in how it deals with baby boomers.
The characteristic that will shape communities most is aging in place. 80% want to remain in their current home as long as possible, even if they need help caring for themselves.
Housing is only the beginning. Older persons need social engagement — relationships, worship, formal and informal organisations and well-being — mobility, health and fitness and financial security.
Here are some of the ways communities could or should change in response.
■ Building codes should allow — or, better yet, require — accessible configurations and features in new construction that serve a broad range of needs across the age continuum. That means front doors with level thresholds; wider doors, and accessible first-floor bathrooms.
■ Communities should permit accessory dwelling units. That could be a backyard cottage or a self-contained apartment in an existing home.
■ Parks should go beyond swing sets to offer adult fitness, relaxation and engagement.
■ Zoning should cluster recreation centers, health care and shopping.
■ Sidewalks and crosswalks should make it easy for people to walk to their destinations or just for exercise.
■ Public transportation is essential…