New York City architects promote aging in place - by Loewenson

By Carol Loewenson, FAIA, LEED AP

With nearly 1.4 million adults age 60 and older living in New York City, a number projected to increase by 40% to almost 2 million by 2040, the need for age-friendly residential buildings has never been greater. As our population ages, more New Yorkers are choosing to “age in place,” remaining in the homes and neighborhoods they have helped build and contributed to all their lives. Responding to these trends, architects and the building community play an increasingly important role in ensuring that the city remains a safe place to grow old.

Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, the American Institute of Architects New York partnered with the New York City Department for the Aging to produce the Aging-in-Place Guide for Building Owners. The guide offers a wide range of recommendations for renovations and improvements that protect the safety of older tenants and improve the quality of life for all residents. As part of the Age-Friendly NYC initiative, a 21-member advisory panel of city agencies, design professionals, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and businesses assisted with the guide’s creation.

The guide focuses on recommendations for existing multi-unit residential buildings, from two-family houses to apartment buildings of all sizes. Many of the suggestions are no-cost or low-cost modifications that can be easily done by the building owner. Since aging is a universal process, the building modifications suggested in the guide can benefit all long-term tenants as well as resident building owners.

Many of the guide’s recommended upgrades are designed to help prevent falls. Annually, 2.5 million seniors are treated in hospital emergency departments for fall injuries. Of the New York hospitalizations due to falls, 53% occur in the home, as compared to 7% in the street. This represents a huge opportunity for building owners to improve the health and safety for seniors. Improved flooring and walking surfaces, grab rail installation, and indoor lighting strategies detailed in the guide can all make a significant impact for older residents.

Additionally, half of older adults in New York live alone. Recent research has linked social isolation and loneliness with negative health outcomes akin to obesity and chronic heart disease. Changes to the built environment that enhance safety and encourage social cohesion can mitigate these risks. The guide presents building changes to improve the overall health and well-being of older New Yorkers and maximize their social and physical participation in their communities. These include the arrangement of chairs and tables near entryways, installation of bulletin boards and the use of contrasting colors in common areas.

Celebrating the release of the guide, the AIANY hosted deputy mayor Richard Buery, department for the Aging Commissioner Donna Corrado and councilmember Margaret Chin to discuss the links between aging, health, and the built environment last month. AIANY will continue to promote these values and champion design and building solutions for all residents. Understanding there is more work to be done, this is a small –but significant step in helping New Yorkers remain in their homes as they age – safely, comfortably, and independently.

Carol Loewenson, FAIA, LEED AP, is the 2016 president of AIA New York and is a partner at Mitchell | Giurgola, New York, N.Y.