Changing demographics and preferences in eldercare have millions planning to age in place, this will have big implications for our communities and our policy makers.

A new report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies shows the changing state of America's aging community, both in terms of demographics and where people intend to age. "By 2035, one in three U.S. households, versus today’s one in five, will be headed by someone 65 or older," according to reporting from Mimi Kirk in CityLab. To add to that demographic reality, "By 2035, the number of households with a person with a disability will reach more than 31 million—an increase of 76 percent over current numbers," Kirk writes. But, while it may be easy to make these plans, it's harder to execute them: "… only 1 percent of housing stock is currently equipped with no-step entrances, single-floor living, wide halls and doorways to allow a wheelchair, electrical controls reachable from a wheelchair, and lever-style handles on faucets and doors," Kirk writes.
The lead author of the report, Jennifer Molinsky says issues don't stop at outfitting the home for possible impairment, “Even though many people express a desire to age in place, doing so can be isolating without ways to connect with the surrounding community,” Molinsky says. This is a tricky issue, but Molinsky says living in walkable areas may help dispel the isolation. "Constructing new housing in more central areas, such as in downtown suburban centers, could also help with isolation," Molinsky told Kirk.
FULL STORY: Can America’s Aging Stay in Their Homes?

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

Mexico City Anti-Gentrification Plan Aims to Half Housing Deficit
The plan comes in response to protests that targeted ‘digital nomads’ who locals blame for driving up housing costs.

Chicago Has Quietly Built Hundreds of Neighborhood Traffic Circles
Thanks largely to one alderperson’s efforts, the city has made mini-roundabouts a key piece of its road safety strategy.
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.
City of Fort Worth
planning NEXT
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie