Designing Cities for Older Adults: Aging with Quality of Life
- Manuel Elihú Díaz
- 7 days ago
- 9 min read
Mexico is moving towards a generational change marked by demographic growth in the proportion of older adults. Although the extension of global life expectancy has increased significantly, it has been slowed down by the global pandemic, and the serious absences in health policies have been disappointing, this process of population aging is a phenomenon of profound impact that has already been studied by specialized urban planners, however solutions have not been seriously addressed in the field of real estate development that will have profound changes in society as we know it, including urban design.
This generational change impacts the population pyramid, adjusting the balance between youth and older adults, an undeniable phenomenon that requires new ways of doing architecture. Urban design is presented as a means to adapt Mexican cities to the new reality, making them inclusive, accessible and focused on the needs of older adults to ensure their dignity, well-being and independence, creating new cities where aging is a vibrant and significant phase of life, where old age is celebrated and supported.
Background
Since 2010, urban growth in Mexico has slowed, but a deficit of 10 million new homes in urban environments persists, driven by various factors, such as migration from rural to urban areas and the search for better opportunities, not only for Mexicans but also for migrants who go to the United States and fail to arrive. However, this urban boom has generated challenges, especially in creating suitable environments for low-income sectors of the population.
The demand for housing and urban spaces for the low-income population has been omitted by Mexican governments, which is why companies such as Geo, Homex and Urbi developed large-scale urban complexes without adequate planning and support from the State. These complexes have even been criticized and attacked in such a way that turning their backs on them caused insecurity, invasion and a situation of 6 million uninhabited homes. The lack of consideration for the changing needs of the population, including older adults, has led to the creation of urban environments that lack accessibility, inclusive design, and facilities that promote people's quality of life.
The urban complexes built during this period have focused their attention on business aspects, neglecting the integration of characteristics that allow older people to age in their own environment without feeling limited. The lack of green spaces, the inaccessibility of facilities and the absence of nearby medical services are just some of the recurring errors, but a more important one is the lack of relationship with the territorial context that forces its inhabitants to travel long distances and become dormitory cities.
The insufficient adaptation of urban spaces for older adults is also due to a lack of awareness and current sensitivity towards their particular needs, but not only to this sector but to the low-income population in general, hurt by the pandemic and ignored by their rulers. Investment in infrastructure is zero, and it is necessary to invest in mobility, security and comfort of the population, and specifically in vulnerable sectors, so it is necessary to resume the participation of housing developers to support that commitment that was not fulfilled in this entire decade.
A new urban policy in a robust national system of democratic planning with a social focus, which promotes unity between public and private sectors, civil associations, institutions and communities, will create promotional instruments for the construction of new projects. But the central topic of this blog post is about the vulnerable sector in the future, the elderly.
Current Experiences
Internationally, there are examples of urban developments adapted for older adults. In Japan and some European countries, communities designed specifically for seniors have been built. They integrate accessible living spaces, medical facilities and adapted recreational areas, promoting independence and active living.
An interesting project is the "Lilian Baylis Old School" in London, United Kingdom. A former school was converted into a residential complex adapted for seniors, building apartments, community spaces and healthcare services on the same site, promoting independent living and social interaction.
Another example is "Lasell Village" in Newton, Massachusetts, United States. It offers a variety of housing prototypes designed specifically for older adults. It has medical facilities, wellness programs and cultural activities, as well as an intergenerational community that encourages connection between generations.
In Japan, the project "Senior Co-Housing" in Tokyo is a real estate proposal that means “cooperative or collective house†for the elderly population in the country that focuses on coexistence and mutual support between residents. The homes are designed with features that facilitate mobility and safety, and participation in social and recreational activities is promoted.
The challenge for Mexico lies in learning from these models and applying them in new real estate projects. At the same time, urban planning must consider not only the creation of housing, but also the configuration of spaces that promote social interaction, exercise and safety, as well as adapting spaces to the elderly population in already built subdivisions, which represents a challenge and an opportunity to transform our cities into inclusive and sustainable places for all ages.
Forecast
By 2050, Mexico will face a demographic landscape dominated by a vulnerable population. It is expected to continue growing, although at a moderate rate and the population aging process will continue in cities, consolidated as the epicenter of population growth, since more than 70% of the population will live in them. Metropolitan areas are expected to experience considerable urban expansion and receive rural or international migration, which will be concentrated in major cities, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, although large metropolitan areas will emerge, some on the border with the United States.
The demand for housing, services, infrastructure, sustainable mobility and public spaces and health facilities will continue, mainly by the low-income population, and a sector of the elderly population with high vulnerability will be incorporated, which will probably become a priority. Given its proportion, we will seek to implement policies and projects that promote inclusion and accessibility with an emphasis on the adaptation of public spaces, housing and services to meet the needs of this population.
In the field of urban and regional planning, the design of spaces with criteria of universal and sustainable accessibility, green mobility, safety and comfort of older adults, wide sidewalks, location of services and the creation of intergenerational communities, as part of an evolved regulations, may be basic.
Urban Design Proposal for Seniors
The participation in the projects of the future will be integrated by the State in all its areas of government, urban planners, architects, real estate developers, foundations, civil associations, organized communities and experts in gerontology. Urban design for older adults must be interdisciplinary, encompassing the physical, social and emotional dimensions of this community, providing safe, affordable and efficient spaces that promote independence and social connection, consolidating intergenerational links in public spaces, interaction networks and mutual support. The proposal is the following:
Site and geographic context. It is inevitable that urban expansion will continue its growth in current metropolitan areas, but preference should be given to developing projects in warm places to avoid cold temperatures, considering the project in a suburban environment, located in the peripheries.
House design. Consider a front garden that includes at least one parking space, along with rear gardens that ensure constant natural ventilation. The master bedroom must have a bathroom equipped with universal accessibility and a large dressing room, while the other interiors maintain an open design that unites the living room, dining room and kitchen, promoting interaction, and with the option of expanding the space on the upper floor to create a guest room. Due to climate change, economical heating and air conditioning systems must be incorporated, and to the extent possible, there must be a bioclimatic design.
Universal Accessibility and Sustainability.Roads and public spaces must be designed for people of all ages and abilities, including inclusive street furniture, 4% ramps, pedestrian level crossings, clear signage, sustainable designs (such as green roofs,community gardens, rainwater collection systems), diversity of pavements with tactile stripes, LED lighting with solar energy, and disappearance of level changes using slopes on all platforms.
Transportation and road infrastructure. Creation of safe pedestrian paths and cycle paths, as well as free use of sustainable means of transport such as bicycles and skateboards. Design and adaptation of accessible mass public transportation systems with low environmental impact, incorporating BRT projects (Bus Rapid Transport). The proposed sidewalks must be equal to or greater than 2 m in width and at no time should parking be allowed on the road in a cross section of the road.
Primary urban infrastructure. Ensure an efficient supply of drinking water through a well, underground installation of a natural gas line, electrical energy and fiber optics along the sidewalk, roads designed with double sewers for storm and sanitary sewage discharging into a wastewater treatment plant that works through solar energy, from which an automatic irrigation system can be built, and promote digital connectivity by implementing an Internet network in all public spaces, thus promoting accessibility and modernization of the community.
Urban equipment. Include educational facilities at all levels to public recreation areas, community centers, daycare centers and health centers. Construction of sports spaces such as gyms, board games, grills and recreational areas. The management of all these facilities relies on effective collaboration between local governments and the community, thus ensuring fluid correspondence and optimal functioning of services and amenities.
Public safety.Prioritizes natural lighting in public spaces and strategic LED lighting powered by solar energy. Implementation of a surveillance system through monitoring cameras accessible in real time to citizens, as well as the creation of a centralized police headquarters, along with controlled access to communities through surveillance booths, which contribute to a safe environment.
Social environment.Foster a social environment by integrating new inhabitants with the local community through participation in already established customs and traditions, through the celebration of special days in public spaces that promote interaction and cultural exchange. The creation of adequate squares and esplanades will allow the organization of various cultural and social events, generating a community fabric, which is why coexistence between older adults, young people and children is necessary.
Land uses.The ideal master plan should limit roads to a maximum of 18% of the property's surface, 15% for mixed uses that include basic equipment, shops, industries and services. Housing should occupy up to 40% of the land and the remaining percentage should be allocated to green areas, covering essential facilities such as urban parks, community gardens, theme parks and sports centers. These considerations define the location of the property towards metropolitan areas, where land costs are cheaper, ensuring both the economic viability and functionality of the project.
Regulations.In the reform of the national democratic planning system, it is essential to integrate unified regulations that cover all the previously mentioned aspects, focused on universal and sustainable accessibility. This involves a review and update of the technical standards of Sedesol's equipment systems, ensuring that they are aligned with the project objectives. Additionally, the creation of a land use plan is required in the urban complex, prioritizing central areas of the project, in order to guarantee an efficient distribution of uses and promote vitality in the heart of the community. This homologation of regulations and precise planning are key elements for the success of an urban design that promotes quality of life and sustainability in all its dimensions.
Limitations of the proposal
Due to the serious sociopolitical and economic decline that Mexico is going through, notable shortcomings are visible in the field of social housing production in the coming years. Although some real estate companies are dedicated to the development of vertical residential complexes aimed at middle and upper class segments of the population, the challenge posed in this article lies in those sectors of the population that lack their own resources to access these opportunities. Financial viability emerges as one of the central challenges, since construction and acquisition costs demand the participation of new housing institutions to strengthen the regulation and coherence of local governments when granting permits and licenses, since they will be works of a social nature.
The availability of land reserves is subject to the decisions of the owners, who sometimes speculate with particular interests that could negatively impact the final costs of the homes, so the State must acquire the land to develop them with the characteristics discussed above. The cost of both the construction and maintenance of these housing units also deserves special attention, given that older adults should not perform physical work outside their homes and it is necessary to consider strategies to solve them.
The logistical difficulties in the execution of projects of this nature are a factor to take into account, since the coordination of different actors, the management of resources and efficient planning can be complex and require the participation of institutions specialized in the field of housing. And finally, to effectively address these challenges and achieve a positive impact on the quality of life of the low-income older adult population, the public and private sectors must collaborate together with institutions, seeking comprehensive and sustainable solutions that respond to the specific needs of this segment of the population.
Conclusions
The demographic revolution is presented as a challenge that brings with it real estate opportunities. My experience at Desarrollo Homex has strengthened my vision that the key in Mexico is forging spaces that merge efficiency and quality of life from a business position, creating new communities. In a world of constant demographic change, it is essential that urban design reflects the needs and aspirations of all generations, including older adults.
Amid the challenges inherent to poor governance and demographic change, urban design is emerging as an essential tool for shaping environments that foster full living at all stages, right at the heart of our cities. Older adults are a group that we must protect and we have the strength and capacity to offer them a dignified and respectful quality of life for present and future generations.
This approach not only translates into the design of streets and buildings, but also into the creation of places that promote inclusion and well-being of all generations. Urban planning becomes a practical instrument to imagine spaces where functionality and quality of life converge in an enriching symbiosis. I believe that we are called to generate cities that reflect our capacity for adaptation and empathy, where design not only addresses current needs, but is also projected towards a more equitable and accessible future for all of us who want to age with quality.
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