With the rising aging population of "Baby Boomers" around the world and the high cost of living, people of developed countries are constantly looking for alternative places to retire and live the "Golden Years" of their lives. The western model of retirement villages which are low density developments sprawling among a golf course in a location with cheap land seems to be an obsolete and flawed model, but something I constantly hear being talked about all over Asia. Certainly there must be a better model and perhaps only in the west are places so specifically labeled, "Retirement Villages" and hence the only models being studied. Instead the question should be asked, "What is the most suitable environment to live in retirement?"
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| Typical American Sprawling Retirement Typology (300m yellow line scale) |
So let's see how we can best answer the question, "what is the best environment (ecosystem) to live in for the elderly?"
Could it be that some of our current urban environments are ideal places for elderly to live in retirement? We would make a case that the following requirements / priorities would indicate urban environments can be ideal.
1. Convenience and variety of amenities at your door step - Yes most "retirement villages" claim to have these and yes most offer a good variety. Gym, pool, recreation room, dining, library, gardens, clinic, convenience store, laundry service, etc.
2. Access to good public transport - Most "retirement village" are only accessible by car and are not catering for elderly who can still move around freely without their own private cars.
3. Places to meet people and interact - Yes with the abundance of public spaces you can always interact with your fellow residents, but with the exception of employees of the property you will rarely have outsiders to interact with.
4. Spaces where people of all ages can meet them and feel comfortable - Designed to cater to primarily residents and being suburban locations, they generally are not comfortable for all people to can and visit for long periods.
5. Green spaces for exercise and fresh air - Yes most have nice and extensive gardens and courtyards that are pleasant, but the interaction will be primarily with the same people as in other public spaces.
6. Small living units easy to maintain - Yes living spaces being specifically for elderly usually appropriately sized and service for the units are available
7. Economical units affordable for fixed incomes - Most American models of the retirement villages are probably targeted at the middle to upper income retirees.
8. Access to medical facilities - Most retirement villages will have some sort of on site clinic or doctor.
