Designing Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods: The Power of Age Diversity in Community Living

Imagine living in a neighborhood that is designed around inclusivity and bringing people together, regardless of age, with a safe and accessible road and transport infrastructure and communal spaces. As we are now living longer, we need to improve the way we design cities to ensure they work for older generations as well as the young. Age diversity in community living enables people to stay healthy and active for longer, stay connected and contribute to their neighborhood’s social, economic and cultural life. Designing neighborhoods that meet the needs and preferences of different age groups enables communities to thrive, become stronger and more resilient and enhance quality of life. For seniors, this can be as simple as support and companionship, while adolescents benefit from a secure environment and a sense of belonging. So what does an age-diverse community look and feel like? Read on to find out.

Building Resilient Communities

Designing age-diverse neighborhoods goes far beyond creating attractive spaces but invests in the emotional, social and cultural wealth that shapes a thriving community for people of all ages. For young people, they have access to an array of mentors and seasoned professionals who can share their experiences and knowledge. It also creates a nurturing environment where children learn the importance of empathy and gain a broader perspective of the world. For older generations, age diversity offers a wonderful sense of connection and purpose that helps combat feelings of social isolation which can put them at risk of developing dementia and other serious conditions. Interacting with their younger neighbors brings renewed energy, mental stimulation and a chance to pass down their wisdom. Age-diverse communities also create collective strength and promote understanding across all generations.

Power of Shared Spaces

At the heart of an age-diverse community are the interactions that occur organically every day. Unlike neighborhoods where age groups are separated, these communities focus on shared experiences. For example, communal spaces, such as a central courtyard or garden area with seating, are strategically positioned to encourage natural interactions between residents. The design prioritizes visibility and accessibility, making it easy for everyone to connect regularly. Cohousing communities like Muir Commons in California, consisting of 26 homes on three acres and Temescal Creek in Oakland, a cluster of two-story houses, are already demonstrating the benefits of designing community-based neighborhoods where residents actively participate in designing and managing their neighborhoods to ensure that the shared spaces like gardens, kitchens and play areas meet everyones needs.

Intergenerational Community Learning 

In both Stockholm, Sweden and Cleveland, Ohio, Senior Universities and Intergenerational Schools are learning centers in the heart of communities that bring together children, adolescents and older adults to create a learning environment that goes beyond traditional classrooms. The older adults act as mentors sharing their life experiences and skills. In Cleveland specifically, the program focuses on cultivating a love for books by encouraging adults interested in healthy aging to partner with students. This partnership enables seniors to find renewed purpose and cognitive stimulation while students benefit from their support, knowledge and experience. By learning side by side, both generations gain an appreciation for their contributions to a diverse community.

Prioritizing Accessibility and Inclusivity

By 2050, the number of people worldwide aged 60 and over is expected to have doubled to 2.1 billion, while those aged over 80 will triple to 426 million. This means we cannot continue designing neighborhoods for active people in their thirties but for children and older people. The non-profit 8-80 Cities believes that by meeting the needs of eight-year-olds and 80-year-olds, we can ensure that it’s great for everyone. This means designing pedestrian-friendly streets with crosswalks, well-maintained sidewalks and ramps for easy mobility. Public transport should also be seamlessly integrated and meet the needs of residents of all ages, from school children to seniors. This inclusivity extends to services and amenities such as healthcare facilities, childcare centers and recreational spaces that cater to people of all abilities.

Age diversity is about more than just structures; it recognizes the richness that comes from a community where every age group is valued and interconnected. Through intentional design, innovative housing models, and a commitment to inclusivity, we can design vibrant, healthy and inclusive neighborhoods that foster a sense of belonging for all.

Cover Photo Credit: Pexels