Access to affordable housing, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our society, stands as a critical social determinant of health. This challenge grows more complex with each passing day, especially as demographic shifts, such as the increasing senior population, intensify the demand for affordable and innovative housing options. A 2019 report in Health Affairs foresaw that over half of middle-income seniors in the decade leading to 2030 would be unable to afford necessary senior housing. The shortage of healthcare workers catering to seniors only exacerbates the issue. In several cities, positive strides are being made through changes in zoning laws, as highlighted in a February 17 NPR article. Addressing this issue requires bold strategies, such as departing from the exclusionary origins of zoning laws and returning to town planning principles that foster communities embracing a multi-generational and multi-income approach. https://lnkd.in/eV7XN-d8
