Master planned communities for the ageing population: how sociable are they?

Abstract

The world’s population is ageing faster than ever before, and cities worldwide struggle to cope with the changing needs of the older age cohort. Master planned community development is one response to the housing needs of the ageing population. This housing type focuses on community development as a promotional feature, which in turn drives health outcomes for its residents. This qualitative research provides a clearer insight into the role of master planned residential developments in the enhancement of social health – as a main component of the overall health and wellbeing of older people. Research methods included observation and semi-structured interviews with 40 people aged over 64 years of age who were living in developments of any type. The findings revealed that the increased safety, walkability, accessibility, and the provision of soft edges within the developments play a significant role in the social health of the older age residents. The findings provide for an evidence-based approach to policy-making and city planning aimed at improving the overall health and wellbeing of older people, and thereby help them to achieve healthy ageing.

Keywords:

• Master planned community development
• older people
• social health
• public health
• community