Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1982

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Planning

Major

Planning

Major Professor

Kenneth B. Kenney

Committee Members

James A. Spencer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the criteria for the selection of suitable housing locations for housing for the elderly. The study focused on how transportation, fear of crime, neighborhood quality and the availability of resources relate to site selections. Fifty elderly residents of a development located in a metropolitan area and 30 elderly residents of a small town development were randomly selected for study. The study had three research components - a literature review, a household interview and field analyses.

The literature review revealed that neighborhood environments which offer a blend of support as well as challenge encourage elderly well-being. The study respondents also indicated a preference for protective elements, such as sidewalks and close location to medical and shopping services, as well as stimulation in the sense that they did not prefer totally residential, lesser traveled, low density neighborhoods. In addition, the urban residents had no preference for low noise environments.

Contrary to indications in the literature, crime was not perceived as a major neighborhood problem. In general, 80.0 percent of the respondents were satisfied with the quality of the neighborhood environment.

Favorite off-site activities included shopping, attending church, and walking. Less than one-third of the respondents favored going out to eat, to a senior citizen center, or to the movies. Elderly persons who lived close to a senior citizen center were much more likely to favor it as an activity (50.0 percent) than those who did not (8.0 percent). In general, proximity to a service increased the use of that service.

High preference levels for living in attractive neighborhoods close to shopping opportunities, and which provided pedestrian access are expressed. In addition, almost one-half of the respondents preferred to live in neighborhoods populated by people of their own age group. The respondents revealed a definite lack of preference for living in areas in which a large number of children and teenagers live.

Site selection recommendations concerning age grouping, land use, neighborhood identity, neighborhood image, neighborhood complexity, pedestrian access, the availability of support services, management and site design were presented as a result of the findings.

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