Public Policies on Housing, Environment and Ageing in Latin America

Abstract

The reflection and action on the quality of life of the aging population in Latin America and the Caribbean is a pending debt from the families, societies and states. This paper aims to locate the elements that will let to know and recognize the state of public policies on housing and environment aimed at the aging population in the region. This item should be assumed as a priority, since the tendency of growth of this population is eminent. Methodologically the trend of aging in the region is analyzed as well as the approaches and effects, the spatial physical movement and emotional status of the adult population in relation to their housing and environment. Public policies on housing and existing environments are also reviewed. The analysis reveals that the region has yet to implement policies on access to permanent and temporary shelter, to the use and occupation of public space, and assume that family, society and the State must break the trend of the isolation of the elderly and change the social perception and budget allocation for housing and environment suited to the needs, physical space wise and emotional of the aging population. In Latin America and the Caribbean the cities should be designed to include the aging population, with livable communities and neighborhoods that integrate people from different social groups and different economic status. Seniors housing is not only a physical good or economic asset, but also a benchmark of memories and affections, vital elements in this population when public policies are designed. Old age should not be taken as a burden, nor valued by the amount of money it generates; it should be regarded with affection. Regaining gratitude for the aging is a challenge for everyone.