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June 27, 2022Independent Aging in Asian CitiesImages Courtesy of Chia-Yi Huang
On June 7, the AIANY Design for Aging committee was pleased to host Esteban Beita, PhD, Associate Professor at CUNY City Tech, Founder of Wabi Design, Tai-Li Lee, Assistant Professor at Pratt University, Partner of New Practice Studio, and Melissa Q. Navarra, PhD, Assistant Professor at Ateneo de Manila University (speaking remotely) on an informative and interesting discussion focused on urban aging in several east Asian cities, moderated by Ruth Finkelstein, ScD, Executive Director of Brookdale Center for Aging at Hunter College and Professor at School of Urban Public Health. This event was offered in person and virtually, marking the first in-person panel of the Committee since pandemic.
Often in the American imagination, Asian societies are better places to grow old. This event investigated that premise with panelists who specialize in issues of the elderly in three major Asian cities: Manila, Taipei, and Tokyo. Building on basic demographics, the panelists looked at the evolving living patterns of the elderly in large urban centers and how infrastructure and architecture can facilitate seniors’ independence and well-being. And the presentations opened up many more avenues of pursuit for better understanding how other urban areas address aging relative to housing, socialization, poverty, infrastructure, demographics, isolation, etc. In case you missed it, you can view a complete replay here.
Design for Aging
The AIA New York Design for Aging Committee is dedicated to the needs of the aging population in an urban environment. We explore design issues, develop universal design recommendations, increase public awareness, and educate professionals in various fields, to create a more age-friendly city. We are committed to diversity in all issues, ensuring a profession capable of reaching into constituencies previously underserved and giving agency to issues of inclusion and representation. Please join us as we explore a wider range of options that promote diversity, and have a stronger influence on projects and programs in NYC and beyond.