Recent studies on older generations' dwelling and travel patterns show that urban areas may provide more mobility and independence than suburban areas with less access to public transit.
As the "silver tsunami" of Baby Boomers facing retirement begins to break, those born between 1946 and 1964 are starting to face the question of where to spend their golden years. Baby Boomers pride themselves for their generation's independent spirit, and they would prefer to maintain this status into old age. Marlys Harris writes that "boomers are adamant that they do not want to live the way elderly people have in the past. That was the message from John McIlwain, senior fellow at the Urban Land Institute in Washington, D.C. 'They think that they are different,' he said. 'They feel that they are entering a second stage of adulthood.'"
So far, studies have shown that boomers prefer to live in the comfort of suburban areas. "A 2009 MetLife Foundation study found that 62 percent of people aged 55 and over say they plan to stay in suburbia." However, Harris claims, moving to urban areas may prove more beneficial for seniors due to easier access to a variety of transit options.
Harris goes on to say that other studies have found that "people over age 65 who no longer drive make 15 percent fewer trips to the doctor, 59 percent fewer trips to shop or eat out and 65 percent fewer trips to socialize. Unable to get around, to buy groceries, make medical appointments, visit the bank and so on, boomers will, like it or not, be forced to move into that nursing home." In other words, giving up a home and a car in suburbia may not seem so bad compared to the alternative. Harris points out that public transit poses its own set of issues for the aging population, but it's a helpful factor to consider when the boomers begin sifting through the choices for where to spend the next chapter of their lives.
FULL STORY: What's Better for Old People: City or Suburb?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions