Environmental Heath Threats to Older Adults and Policy Solutions

Climate change--and its consequences of extreme heat and air pollution--is one of the greatest threats of the 21st century to our health, especially for older adults. Post-World War II urban planning has resulted in greater distances from services, and increased vehicular miles traveled and higher greenhouse gas emissions. By redesigning our communities to be more supportive to our aging population through land use decisions, transit oriented development and encouraging active transport, the health and well-being of our elders will improve. Communities across the country are using creative strategies to develop in ways that preserve natural lands and critical environmental areas, protect water and air quality and reuse previously developed land. By designing neighborhoods to contain homes, shops, offices, parks, and other amenities, these communities are giving their residents and visitors the option of walking, bicycling, taking public transportation, or driving as they go about their business. The EPA, DOT and HUD formed the Partnership for Sustainable Communities to help improve access to affordable housing, create more transportation options and at the same time while protect the environment in communities throughout the country. The Partnership released a set of guiding livability principles and a partnership agreement to steer agency efforts by coordinating federal housing, transportation, and other infrastructure investments to protect the environment, promote equitable development, and help to address the challenges of climate change and air pollution. An EPA awards program, Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging has encouraged programming to promote physical activity at the community level.