5184.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 3:10 PM

Abstract #31686

Housing that meets the needs of older persons: Concepts for urban

Mary Northridge, Editor, APHA, American Journal of Public Health, 800 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 777-2460, mary.northridge@apha.org and Mindy Fullilove, Columbia University, Columbia, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10032.

Affordable and secure housing is fundamental to the health and well-being of older persons. Beyond the fundamental requirements of shelter and safety, there are broader societal ramifications related to the planning and construction of built and natural environments that promote physical and mental health. We begin this essay by placing the migration patterns of older persons within a developmental perspective. Second, we advance the concept of "place" and the advantages of creating and maintaining strong bonds between individuals and their communities and homes. Finally, we discuss the strengths and limitations of previous efforts to build communal housing for older persons, and suggest strategies to better ensure that as people age, their differing needs will be provided by healthful housing solutions.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Recognize the importance of health threats from the built environment.
  2. Describe the role of housing in the health of the elderly.
  3. Apply these lessons to contemporary issues in urban public health.

Keywords: Housing, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA