Abstract
This presentation investigates the unprecedented number of older adults, namely the Baby Boomer generation, who are entering retirement. The need for aging ready communities is omnipresent. Seniors' desire to age in place supports this scale defiant exigency. Barriers to aging in place are ubiquitous; urban, suburban and rural communities demand solutions to threatening obstacles. Absence of a comprehensive aging-readiness plan necessitates action. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers to aging in place in Central New York, and propose appropriate planning solutions. Focus groups were conducted to determine the barriers to aging in place. Three main themes arose: area for physical activity and exercise facilities is a priority, feeling of safety/security affects going out, and loss of control leads to compromised independence. Basis for intervention involved the following community context breakdown: property/grounds, house/building, street, block and neighborhood. Each theme was addressed via multi-generational planning, smart growth, universal and ecological design principles.
Description
Landscape Architecture Poster Presentation