{"id":67259,"date":"2018-08-27T05:13:34","date_gmt":"2018-08-27T05:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tckt.vn\/english\/?p=67259"},"modified":"2018-08-27T05:13:34","modified_gmt":"2018-08-27T05:13:34","slug":"how-to-design-for-senior-citizens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tckt.vn\/english\/?p=67259","title":{"rendered":"How To Design for Senior Citizens"},"content":{"rendered":"

The population\u2019s aging phenomenon is occurring worldwide. We say phenomenon because all population pyramids are reversing, which means birth rates are steadily decreasing over the years, and at the same time, life expectancy has been increasing. Thus, the elderly population is growing at a faster rate than children.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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(Image: Paul Ott)<\/figcaption><\/div><\/figure>
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According to IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), in 2017 there were more than 30 million people over the age of 60 in Brazil (14.6% of the population). To understand this growing demographic, let’s take a look at other countries’ statistics. Mexico’s total population is about 28 million, the size of Australia’s and New Zealand’s combined population. We are talking about a demographic the size of a country.<\/p>\n

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(Image: Flavia Ranieri)<\/figcaption><\/div><\/figure>
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The issue with these statistics is the rate at which we have reached these numbers. While developed countries such as France took 115 years to make this demographic shift, developing countries such as China took around 27 years [1]. It\u2019s what we call a rapid demographic transition. That means that while developed countries could gradually prepare themselves by adapting services, politics, and infrastructures dedicated to an older population, developing countries are in a situation where there is not enough care for these individuals. Thus, a lower quality of life for our elders.<\/p>\n

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(Image: Flavia Ranieri)<\/figcaption><\/div><\/figure>
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And who are they? In Brazil, a person over 60 years old is considered an elder, while in developed countries it is usually over 65. It would be easy if defining people was as simple as that, by age. But it isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Our old age is the result of our environment and the choices we have made. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), six items influence how we will age. These determinants are social, economic, behavioral, personal, the available social and health services, and the physical environment. We can reach old age as active individuals or as having an advanced level of frailty that compromises our functional abilities [2]. To keep the elderly population healthy and active is a necessity and not a luxury.<\/p>\n

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(Image: Flavia Ranieri)<\/figcaption><\/div><\/figure>
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(Image: Flavia Ranieri)<\/figcaption><\/div><\/figure>
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But how do we keep the elderly population active? There are four pillars that are currently considered: health, continued learning and education, social participation and security,\u00a0and protection. <\/strong><\/p>\n

As architects and urban planners, there is a lot we can contribute, be it on the public policy front or directly in the physical environment. We can work with the macro scale of cities and the small scale of dwellings.<\/p>\n

Regarding cities, the most important problems are related to accessibility, public transportation, and services. A recent study from USP (Sao Paulo University) analyzed the databases of bus lines, subway, and trains, senior and disabled people exclusive parking spaces; relief and grade; as well as the accessibility of service and retail establishments in the city of Sao Paulo [3]. It is clear from the findings that the expanded city center offers better conditions, Br\u00e1z being the first district on the list, followed by Rep\u00fablica and S\u00e9. In the last positions, we find the districts of Iguatemi, Jos\u00e9 Bonif\u00e1cio, and Cachoeirinha. To see the entire rank, access this link. If we cross this data with the districts that have the largest number of older people, it is possible to draw a focused and efficient improvement plan. We rely a lot on political will, but our associations can add pressure to make them a reality.<\/p>\n

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(Image: Nigel Young Foster + Partner)<\/figcaption><\/div><\/figure>
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In 2012, the State of Sao Paulo created a program called \u201cthe elderly-friendly city,\u201d but it was only until January 2018 that the city has adhered to it. Now there are 670 cities studying and promoting initiatives in the State. \u201cCurrently, the City Hall\u2019s social assistance network has 134 specific services aimed\u00a0for the elderly, such as Day Centers and Reference Centers for daytime activities, and special Living Centers and long-stay institutions for refuge. Together, these centers serve about 15 thousand people\u201d [4], says the City Hall. It is little considering that the city is home to around 1.4 million elders; a huge field for architects and urban planners.<\/p>\n

To aid the quest for better quality of life for the elderly in cities, the United Nations launched the guide \u201cMeasuring the age-friendliness of cities \u2013 A guide to using core indicators<\/em>\u201d [5]. When it comes to the physical environment, it lists the following items:<\/p>\n