Environments for Aging - Winter 2021 - 11

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2021 EFA EXPO REVIEW
T
opening keynote
Recipe for change
Suburbia, " the speakers said several changes are driving a
retrofitting of suburbia, including a growing supply of aging
commercial properties, climate change and the need
for more land conservation, a shrinking middle class, rise
in technology use that's leading consumers to seek more
connection and interaction with others, and changing
demographics. Market preferences are also shifting, Dunham-Jones
added, including the desire for more walkable
neighborhoods; vibrant public parks and Main Street attractions;
and environmentally friendly lifestyles that include
compact, mixed-use, and inclusive neighborhoods.
To help guide such projects, the speakers offered some urD
URING
THE OPENING keynote, speakers Ellen
Dunham-Jones, professor of agriculture and urban
design at the Georgia Institute of Technology,
and June Williamson, architecture department
chairperson and professor at The City College of
New York's Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture,
offered strategies for and examples of how America's suburban
environments can be retrofitted to help communities support the
aging population and address urgent challenges.
Drawing on their newest book, " Case Studies in Retrofitting
ban design tactics that could be used for retrofits including
building on greyfields to replace asphalt with housing and
a stormwater park, and reusing existing big-box stores and
adapting them to new uses such as renovating a vacant mall
into a dementia village for local seniors.
Williamson also challenged the audience to think about diversifying
housing on projects. " Can you add new choices by
adding new dwelling types? " she said. Furthermore, she added,
organizing a mix of residential units, such as row houses,
cottages, and apartments, around landscaped amenity spaces
helps create a less institutional setting and appeals to older
adults looking to downsize. In wrapping up, Williamson encouraged
attendees to search for more opportunities for intergenerational
interaction and support. " It's finding the right
partnerships, " she said. -Anne DiNardo, executive editor
HE 2021 ENVIRONMENTS for Aging Expo & Conference brought the industry together-
in person-in August in Chattanooga, Tenn. Over the three-day event, attendees enjoyed
keynote and educational sessions, networking events, and a bustling expo hall displaying
the latest products for senior living environments. The following pages provide a snapshot
of some of this year's highlights. For additional coverage, visit efamagazine.com. And mark
your calendars for next year's event, running April 2-5, 2022, at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. For
more information and show updates, visit environmentsforaging.com.
winter 2021 | 11

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Environments for Aging - Winter 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Environments for Aging - Winter 2021