Completion Date
6-1-2010
Advisor
Matthew Kelly
Abstract/Description
Introduction:The aim of this project is to suggest to local officials where social services for elders would best be applied and also to act as an assistive tool for seniors seeking residence in neighborhoods where high levels of livability are experienced. This analysis is based on the assertion that the location, age, and condition of one’s home can be an indicator to whether an individual possesses the assets and advantages needed toage successfully. As of 2009 there were 112 million households in the United States and a full 23% contained a resident 60 years of age or older (Pynoos et al., 2009). Providing suitable housing for this demographic can alleviate some chronic health problems known to be caused by poor housing conditions such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, and other ailments (Jacobs et al., 2009). Home ownership is the main source of wealth for elders, who nationally enjoy a home ownership rate of 78%, however, inability to maintain one’s home due to age related ailments can result in greatly diminished value (Struthers 2005). Beyond the physical condition of one’s home, where it is geographically situated can also be an indicator of successful aging. Social isolation, which can be the result of lack of transportation, has been associated with, “... mental illness, distress, dementia, suicide, and premature death” (Hawthorne, 2006, p. 522).
Recommended Citation
Jackson, Garrett, "Assessing Senior Citizen Livability in Dyes Inlet Neighborhoods: Elder Livability Index and Walkable Bus Stops" (2010). GIS Certificate Projects. 24.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/gis_projects/24
COinS