Report: Urban Planning and Design Neglecting the Needs of Seniors

Many cities aren't planning and designing for their aging residents, despite a world full of examples to model from, according to a new report from the Milliken Institute.

1 minute read

October 30, 2019, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Senior Mobility

Toa55 / Shutterstock

Jason Plautz shares news of new report from the Milliken Institute Center for the Future of Aging that documents the accommodations made for seniors living in cities, like safe and affordable housing, walkable neighborhoods, and access to healthcare.

The "Age-Forward Cities for 2030" [pdf] report finds that about "eight in 10 U.S. residents 65 and older live in metropolitan areas, and adults over 60 are expected to account for about half of urban consumption growth by 2030," according to Plautz.

"The report says that many American cities aren’t doing enough to prepare for the needs of an aging population, including a failure to acknowledge 'the interconnection between their aging communities and their cities’ economic health and sustainability.'"

The report also notes that some cities are making progress, especially by crafting age-friendly strategic plans, like those in Pittsburgh and Columbus. The report also identifies land use regulation reform that allows accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods as an important step toward age friendliness. "And trends like new urbanism, complete streets and Vision Zero programs are also strategies that will help seniors, the report finds," according to Plautz.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 in Smart Cities Dive

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

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.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Bird's eye view of half-circle suburban street with large homes.

In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City

If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.

30 minutes ago - Investopedia

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company