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As the number of Baby Boomers entering retirement increases, a growing number of people will be confronted with a "mobility crisis."
The trend of retirees mirgrating back to city centers, which so far has been largely confined to affluent empty-nesters, could accelerate. Some planners expect that the sheer size of the baby-boom generation will exert enough pressure on developers and politicians that cities and suburban communities will address the needs of older citizens more aggressively.
Those living in suburban and exurban areas designed for cars will find it increasingly difficult to travel to stores or medical facilities. While urban seniors often have easier access to services, congested streets and pricey, cramped housing pose their own obstacles.
Ironically, the suburban mall, long criticized for its aesthetic failings and impact on local businesses, could offer a model for accommodating the aging population. For years, malls have drawn seniors looking for a safe place to walk and socialize.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, December 26, 2007
