Opinion: Housing Reforms Critical for Older Americans

Older adults are some of the most vulnerable to threats of eviction and displacement driven by escalating housing costs.

2 minute read

March 3, 2022, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Senior Mobility

Toa55 / Shutterstock

In an opinion piece in Connecticut's Darien Times, Kathleen Callahan argues that stable, affordable housing is "a crucial social determinant of health" for older adults, criticizing the town of Stratford's recent decision to opt out of a state bill that legalized accessory dwelling units (ADUs). According to Callahan, "ADUs enable elderly residents of Fairfield County to remain in their communities, perhaps living with an adult son or daughter or with a caregiver."

During her campaign for Stratford Town Council, says Callahan, "I heard from people who had hoped to remain in town after retirement but are considering other options due to the cost of living and limited transportation options. Some told me they would be moving closer to children who couldn’t afford to return after college." As she states, "Stratford’s elders have high rates of home ownership and financial insecurity resulting in limited choices and potential tragedy for individuals and families."

In lieu of legalized 'granny flats,' Callahan supports the development of transit-oriented communities with multifamily housing that can keep elderly residents closer to family and within reach of public transportation. "By building affordable and accessible homes near public transit, we can make it more affordable for elderly residents of Fairfield County to remain in their communities. We can also create housing for them near public transportation, so they do not have to rely on cars to access essential services."

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 in The Darien Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Street with parking protected bike lane and parked cars in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance

The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

July 8 - Willamette Week

Aerial view of Spokane, Washington with river in foreground.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package

Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

July 8 - The Spokesman-Review

Close-up on black and white "Bike Lane Ends" sign with bike logo.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane

The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.

July 8 - Houston Public Media

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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA