Landscape of Geriatrics
Spatial Geography for the Elderly
Lisa K ChongGeography 557April 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 2005-2031
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?
http://www.dreamstime.com/3d-mouse-pointer-%E2%80%93-hourglass-%E2%80%93-isolated-image1837136
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)