UofT: Designing for Older Persons in a Transforming World

The world is greying. By 2050 the global population age sixty-five and older is projected to nearly double—from 12% to 22%, and while many older persons continue to experience relatively good health, contributing importantly to society as family members, volunteering, and in the workforce, others will be at high risk of becoming unhoused, experiencing mental health and cognitive disorders, and comorbidities. Resilient architectural responses are needed to anticipate the needs and aspirations of older persons, particularly against the backdrop of the global climate crisis. Broad trends are examined in relation to progressive architectural case studies in the field of architecture and aging with particular focus on the long-term care housing crisis in Ontario.