Age-based Neighbourhood Development – Challenges for Sustainable Cities

Abstract

In recent years modified demands on housing and community development have emerged because of different reasons. Especially aging and diversification of society due to the demographic change have become important issues for urban planning. The people in Germany who are 65 years and older are expected to increase from 20% in 2008 to 33% in 2050. Especially the very old people (80plus) will increase strongly. Similar situations exist in several European countries. Elderly people are not a consistent group, but the group of seniors has very different lifestyles and demands. In order to be competitive in an aging market building companies as well as all other kinds of businesses and communities will have to adapt and react to changing demands. How can the aged population be systematized and classified? Which are the main specificities of the different groups? In the context of the research project „WASta - Housing of Elderly People in the Context of Urban Development“ results of surveys in the German cities of Leipzig and Gera and theoretical investigations have been used to find answers. One result is that the state of health and the financial situation of elderly people are basic factors for differentiation. Based on these results, on preceding findings and a systematization of the aged population, requirements for housing companies as well as for communities are derived how sustainable cities can focus on the very specific demands of elderly people. A key answer is an integrated perspective on neighbourhood development. An age-based neighbourhood development needs to be oriented on the people’s needs. It involves the planning and equipment of the dwellings, the buildings (incl. entrances, halls, stairs, corridors etc.), the environment of buildings (e.g. greens, gardens, footpaths, benches), open spaces, parks, social and technical infrastructures in a neighbourhood. An assessment framework „Age-based neighbourhood development“ has been worked out, which shall help to evaluate the current quality of a neighbourhood and to prioritize actions from the perspective of housing companies, urban development and elderly people. Examples illustrate the assessment framework and show how age-based neighbourhood development can be implemented.