The population in metro Atlanta is changing rapidly, and by 2030 one out of every five people will be older than 60. But our current housing and transportation systems will not be ready. So it’s crucial that we examine national trends in health care, human services, aging and transportation now and discuss how our infrastructure should be adjusted to support livability and aging.
Decades of underfunding and deferred maintenance are forcing a massive catch-up effort. Politicians and administrators are at odds over strategy and solutions. But we should all be part of the conversation. The choices we make today will directly impact the quality of life for our aging population for decades to come.
We need to focus on our housing options, taking inventory of the existing housing for older adults and identify what’s missing, then develop a strategy that involves older adults in the planning. It’s important to adapt our zoning and tax policies to facilitate the development of housing for our aging population and provide incentives to developers who include affordable units for seniors in existing neighborhoods. We also need to offer home repair programs for lower-income seniors and educate older homeowners and buyers about predatory mortgage products.
Looking at transportation, older adults should be included in the discussion of service options, and we should fashion guidelines and modifications — such as improved signage and lighting — that are beneficial for older drivers. We also should consider driver assessment and training programs for older adults to reduce accidents.
It’s also crucial that we improve our public transportation system to better serve older adults, with flexible routes during off-peak hours, discounts for older riders and improved shelter at transit stops. In addition, we should educate older adults about use of the transit system — and train drivers about the needs of older adults — and include senior centers and large housing developments on transit routes.
As part of our quest to prepare for the aging of our population, it’s also important that we assess our health care resources and do a better job of promoting preventative services, early detection and screening practices. We also must raise awareness about osteoporosis, bone density screenings, smoking cessation and general wellness while ensuring that neighborhoods have access to healthy food, exercise facilities, parks and walking clubs. Health care facilities and their parking lots, lighting, waiting areas and transportation should be designed with the needs of older adults in mind.
And it’s not just the politicians and the policy wonks who should be having a conversation about the ways in which we can best prepare metro Atlanta for its aging population. It’s up to all local stakeholders to participate, which we’ll be doing at the Georgia World Congress Center on May 24. Not only will experts from across the country report on solutions from other cities in aging services, but there also will be in-depth presentations on and discussions about other important infrastructure topics, including water, transportation and education. Why don’t you join the discussion?
Monte Wilson is a senior vice president at the international design firm HOK and chair-elect of the Urban Land Institute, Atlanta district.
About the Author
