Planning and the Intergenerational Community: Balancing the Needs of the Young and the Old in American Communities

ABSTRACT:

Current federal policies have favored the resource needs of the elderly over the needs of child rearing families and children. Yet, federal policies are only part of the story. Can healthy intergenerational communities become a reality ? Is it possible for municipalities to help restore some balance in meeting the resource needs of the young and the old? The purpose of this article is to evaluate municipal land use, planning and zoning policies and the roles they play in meeting the needs of children and the elderly in contemporary American communities. Data collected in a nationwide zoning survey will be used to support the argument that communities are doing little to respond to the changing needs of child rearing and elderly families. The article concludes with a discussion of change strategies that could help make healthy intergenerational communities a reality.