Age-friendly, socially connected multi-unit housing

This Canadian report, from a collaboration between Happy Cities, Hey Neighbour Collective and Simon Fraser University, highlights design ideas and research findings to support ageing in the right place.

The research and engagement found which indoor and outdoor spaces are crucial social spaces for residents and identifies four key strategies to promote ageing in the right place:

• Establish age-friendly housing systems: ensuring that housing systems provide dignified, stable, affordable, and healthy housing choices for older adults.
• Build options for social interaction: maximizing choice over social integration by balancing connection and exposure.
• Design user-friendly environments: prioritising comfort, accessibility and safety in order to maximize autonomy.
• Activate spaces for connection: activating spaces with things to see and do that help build connections and a sense of belonging.

The report offers ideas that support these strategies through building design, programming, and policy.