How To Design Age Friendly Environments?

October 16, 2009 | By Kim Walker

When buying or building a new home consumers are starting to think about age friendly design. Will my parents be able to visit and stay? Will I be able to stay here as I age? According to the 2003 study on Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia (ABS) 41% of 65-69 year olds  reported some kind of disability.

That’s why it’s becoming increasingly important to design homes and public spaces that are accessible or can easily be adapted if and when the need arises.

One of the determinants of active ageing is the physical environment, according to the World Health Organisation.

Age friendly design supports active living, good health and social connectedness for all ages. For example, well lit and maintained public spaces are welcoming, promote safety and encourage more active lifestyles; transport that is accessible allows all people, young and old, to remain linked to social networks, services and employment; and something as basic as a well maintained footpath can promote prolonged mobility for older people. Download the Fact Sheet explaining the principles from the Council on the Ageing (NSW) COTY website here. Also a good example of an age-friendly website!