Housing America's Older Population—New Report Details the Challenge

A new study from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and the AARP Foundation has produced a pile of data on the country's aging population and its implications for housing and planning policy.

1 minute read

September 3, 2014, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The Harvard Gazette shares news of a study released this week by Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies and the AARP Foundation called "Housing America's Older Adults." According to the Gazette's coverage (which is mostly a reproduction of this press release [pdf]), the country is not prepared to meet the housing needs of aging Americans, because "housing that is affordable, physically accessible, well-located, and coordinated with supports and services is in too-short supply."

The Joint Center for Housing Studies' website for the study includes another pdf of key findings as well as an interactive map showing the share of U.S. county population aged 50 and over (percent) in 1990 and 2010.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014 in Harvard University Gazette

Black and white Rideshare Pick-Up Zone sign

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing

From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

June 1, 2023 - Human Transit

Urban sidewalk shaded by large mature trees

Cool Walkability Planning

Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.

June 1, 2023 - Todd Litman

Traffic on the 405 interstate freeway through the Sepulveda Pass at Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California

Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.

The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.

May 30, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

View of New York City alleyway with outdoor restaurant seating and people walking between brick apartment buildings with fire escapes

As Business Districts Continue to Falter, Mixed-Use Neighborhoods Flourish

While office vacancies remain high and foot traffic sparse in many U.S. downtowns, areas with housing and businesses are more vibrant and desirable than ever.

3 hours ago - The Wall Street Journal

Beachside basketball couty with ocean view and blue painted court at Angel Gate Park in Los Angeles, California on a sunny day

Los Angeles County's 30x30 Strategy Earns National Recognition

L.A. County's Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) received a 2023 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).

4 hours ago - National Association of Counties

A spraling subdivision of single-family detached housing in a desert setting.

Albuquerque Poised to Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units

Allowing ADU construction on parcels previously zoned exclusively for single-family detached housing is one component of the Housing Forward ABQ initiative, a larger effort to reform zoning practices in Albuquerque.

5 hours ago - Albuquerque Journal

Project Manager III

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

UDO Transportation Planner

City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit

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.