Neighbourhood design for healthy ageing

Identifies the relationship between neighbourhoods and healthy ageing. Abstract Ageing is critical to housing systems as it affects the level of demand for housing. As the population ages, the suitability of housing influences the demand for social services, support and care in community. An ageing population will exert significant pressure on neighbourhood design and housing. Unfortunately the existing built environ ment in Australia – predominantly low - density developments with high automobile dependency – is not sympathetic to the needs of the aged population. It is widely acknowledged that the ageing of society is a challenge for social policy. However, there is little literature on planning policy supporting healthy ageing. The aim of this paper is to identify the relationship between neighbourhoods and healthy ageing. Neighbourhood consist of both housing and sp aces in which we live and work. The paper presents the results from a household survey and focus groups conducted in South Australia on the perception of the aged population on age - friendly neighbourhood design and housing options. It is found that due to low - density development and lack of public transport and inappropriate location of facilities and design of public spaces, neighbourhood does not adequately support healthy ageing. The study concluded that there is a need to create a safe pedestrian environment, easy access to public transport, shoppi ng centres and public facilities, recreational facilities and nearby health centres. These elements can substantially improve the neighbourhood and can positively affect the ageing. &nbsp