Walkability has been shown to greatly improve the health and wellbeing of senior citizens. In response to recent studies on this issue, planners are looking to create walkable neighborhoods that encourage healthy habits for residents of all ages.
"Studies are starting to show a neighborhood's walkability - how well its streets connect and whether it has sidewalks, nearby shopping and welcoming public places - helps or hinders how well its residents age."
"The connection between environment and function in older adults is prompting collaborations across the country - among urban planners, university researchers, public-health officials and citizen activists. What's happening in the Puget Sound area is at the heart of the effort."
"'We've come to the conclusion if you build things so that people can live their whole lives in a place and still be active, then you don't have to retrofit and rebuild and start all over again,' said Rosemary Cunningham, strategic planning manager with the city of Seattle's Aging and Disability Services."
Read the full story: Walkability helps older adults stay healthy, studies say
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
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