SAN FRANCISCO: Is “green” living important? If you’re a boomer or GenX’er, the answer is likely “yes,” and interest in environmental sustainability is increasing. That’s why some forward-thinking retirement communities are offering residents everything from greener buildings to energy-efficient lighting to community gardens. And some towns are putting a focus on walkability.
According to surveys, such measures are important to a large segment of older persons. In 2014, a House and Community Preferences of the 45+ Population survey, for example, found that 61% of respondents valued their community being “easy to walk,” with those over 65 most appreciating walkability. Roughly 30% wanted their community to be near transit with an equal portion wanting to be close to a park.
Traditional retirement communities, though, have typically been built on the outskirts of town, leaving residents dependent on cars. And their manicured lawns and golf courses usually use plenty of chemical fertilizers and herbicides.
The survey found that the supply for green retirement communities has not kept up with the demand.