Planning For Age-Friendly Cities: Towards a New Model by John A. Colangeli A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In Planning Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2010 John A. Colangeli 2010 I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. John Angelo Colangeli ii Abstract This dissertation examines the potential for professional/community planning to respond pro- actively and strategically to the impending demographic changes which will be brought about by the aging of the baby boom generation. This multi-phased investigation was designed to explore whether professional planning could uncover models and concepts which can be used to make cities and communities more age-friendly. Several conclusions can be drawn from the study. It was found that planners are not ready for demographic change nor are they prepared for helping create age-friendly cities. This is due to several reasons, including a lack of resources forcing them to concentrate on short-term, immediate issues; lack of power and credibility; and a perception that the elderly are a lower priority in society. For planners to become proactive and strategic in planning for age-friendly cities, they will need to re-examine their tendency to focus mainly on land use planning; focus on the long-term agenda; establish credibility with politicians; develop visionary skills; and become educators and facilitators, engaging key stakeholders and community groups. The data indicated that planners have a limited knowledge of gerontology. However, a high level of congruence was found between the newer planning models and key research dimensions in gerontology. If these two fields were to work closer together, each would become better equipped to produce knowledge which will help society deal with aging demographics. Evidence also showed congruence between the newer planning models, building age-friendly cities and the environmental agenda. Common factors such as urban intensification (particularly in the core), building more compact urban form and increasing multi-modal transportation options (including pedestrianism) help reduce sprawl, congestion and pollution and concomitantly help create an environment which is healthier and friendly to all ages, including seniors. Findings from this research are used to develop a hybrid “Wise Growth” planning model to encourage the development of age-friendly cities. iii Acknowledgements While writing a doctoral dissertation is in many ways a solitary task, it is made possible by a team of supportive and committed people working closely with the researcher. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to several people who so graciously extended their help and support to me through this process. First, my advisor, Dr. Trudi Bunting, who was a mentor throughout my doctoral studies. Her critical insight, constant support and unfaltering belief in academic excellence have taught me valuable lessons I will always remember. Special thanks also goes to my Advisory Committee members; Dr. John Hirdes, Dr. Mark Seasons and Dr. Pierre Filion, for their feedback and support. Their input was invaluable. I would like to express my heart-felt thanks to my wife, Lee Ann. Her support during my years of doctoral study made all the difference and I would like to express to her my deepest appreciation and affection. I also wish to acknowledge the contribution of my brother, Mario, the best big brother anyone could have. He taught me the importance of education and the power it has to change lives. Long ago, he and his wife, my wonderful sister-in-law, Gina, set me on a course which ultimately led to a PhD. Dear friends, Don Emms; Joe Basile; Barbara Harmer; Paul Donohue; David Jewell; Ralph Pugliese, Paul Born; Vito, Grace and Amanda Logiudice; my cousins, Dave and Joanne Hall; nephews, Gino and his wife, Kristina; Perry and his wife, Lisa; great niece Michaela; great nephews, Michael, Anthony and Marc; all of you have made this journey easier and my life so much richer. Finally, the Board of Governors of the Lutherwood organization, particularly, Chair Mark Huehnergard; past Chairs, Dr. Tupper Cawsey; and George Breen, along with my colleagues, Sandra Watt; Steve Sherrer and Alison Kulchecki, who all deserve special mention for their unfailing encouragement and support. This dissertation is dedicated to my wife, Lee Ann. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS AUTHOR’S DECLARATION ...................................................................................................... ii ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................ iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..........................................................................................................iv LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................... ix LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................... x CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ xi 1.1 Study Context and Background ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Main Research Question and Sub-questions ................................................................... 5 1.3 Research Objectives ......................................................................................................... 6 1.4 Significance and Relevance of the Research .................................................................... 6 1.5 Dissertation Outline ......................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 2: DEMOGRAPHICS, AGING AND THE ENVIRONMENT ........................................... 11 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 11 2.2 CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS AND AGING ..................................................................... 11 2.2.3 International Perspective ......................................................................................... 11 i) Fertility rate patterns: .................................................................................................... 12 ii) Life expectancy at birth:................................................................................................ 12 iii) Morbidity and Mortality: ............................................................................................. 12 iv) Urbanization: ................................................................................................................ 12 v) Migration:...................................................................................................................... 12 2.2.4 North American Perspective .................................................................................... 13 2.2.5 Implications of North American Demographic Shifts .............................................. 14 2.3 AGING AND THE ENVIRONMENT: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND CONCEPTS ....... 16 2.3.1 Theories of Gerontology and Applicability to Planning For Age-Friendly Cities ...... 16 2.3.2 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 27 2.4 SENIORS’ HOUSING ........................................................................................................ 28 2.4.1 Housing For Seniors: a Brief Overview ..................................................................... 28 2.4.2 Aging-in-place in the Community ............................................................................ 29 2.4.3 Other Seniors’ Housing Alternatives ........................................................................ 31 2.4.4 The Themes of Inclusion/Exclusion and Integration/Segregation ........................... 32 2.4.5 Elderly Migration and Relocation ............................................................................ 35 2.4.6 The Nature of Non Age-Friendly Cities .................................................................... 36 2.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 38 v CHAPTER 3: THE PLANNING PERSPECTIVE: FROM THE MID-20TH TO THE 21ST CENTURY ........ 41 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 41 3.2 Planning in the Face of Major Demographic Shifts: From the ‘Baby Boom’ to Multiculturalism ............................................................................................................. 42 3.2.1 The Baby-boom Period ............................................................................................ 43 3.2.2 Multiculturalism ....................................................................................................... 46 3.3 What Constitutes ‘Urban Planning’? Definitional Perspectives ................................... 49 3.4 The Rise of Rational Comprehensive Planning and the Modernist Project................... 51 3.5 A Crisis of Legitimacy: