Landscape of Geriatrics Spatial Geography for the Elderly Lisa K Chong Geography 557 April 15, 2009

Agenda Introduction Rationale –Relevance to Urban and GIS Issues Progression Intended Outcomes

Introduction Study will deal with the spatial segregation of elderly people –Disconnect from amenities and services –People are bussed from retirement homes to their destinations Disempowerment

Causes of Segregation Decline in elderly population in the city centre (Hanson, 1995) Fragmentation of family due to transportation/suburbanization –Heavy reliance on automobiles Reduced mobility

Relevance to Urban Form Growing concern due to an aging population in baby boomers Need a system that conforms to meet potential problems and issues Source: Statistics Canada, Population Projections for Canada, Province and Territories Increase in Number and Percentage of Seniors in Alberta

Relevance to Urban Form (cont.) Aging population has implications for the lived environment –Low-income housing –Geography of elderly are grounded in limited “mental maps” Herbert & Peace (1980) –Suggests forging an identity based on the community setting –Increased life expectancy: implications?

Use of GIS in Quantifying Issues Sample of how issues of accessibility may be derived from geographical data –Comparative study –Tools such as buffers

Getting There: Tools of ArcGIS Spatial Analyst –Mapping distances to major facilities (hospitals, etc) from retirement homes Use of buffers –Determine walking, transit and driving times –Concentric buffer rings

Progression Complete… –Identification of issues –Theoretical research in literature  In progress… –GIS component –Spatial analyst –What else? %E2%80%93-hourglass-%E2%80%93-isolated- image

Potential Outcomes Defines the issue –Public awareness Optimism: perhaps these ideas will motivate a better land use plan for the urban environment –Mixed use, density –Variety in ages, housing, proximity of services and amenities Better preparations for the future

In Closing Comments and suggestions are welcome!

References Graham K. Rowles; Prisoners of Space? Exploring the Geographical Experiences of Older People (1979) Wayne K.D. Davies & David T. Herbert; Communities within Cities (1993) Susan Hanson; Getting There Urban Transportation in Context (1995)