The Silver Tsunami in Australia: The impact on urban planning & housing

Australia is on the brink of a significant demographic shift known as the "Silver Tsunami." Increased life expectancy, declining birth rates, and Baby Boomer’s entering retirement en masse will have widespread effects on healthcare, the workforce, housing, and government policies.

This shift in population profile is reshaping the country’s housing market and urban planning priorities. With ABS projections indicating that the population aged over 85 will double by 2042, increasing to 1 million people, the need for age-friendly communities, accessible housing, and healthcare-integrated urban planning has never been more urgent. The Silver Tsunami presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring government policymakers, developers, and urban planners to rethink how cities and towns accommodate and support our senior residents.

THE URBAN PLANNING CHALLENGES FACING AUSTRALIAN CITIES AND REGIONS

1. Lack of Age-Friendly Communities

Many of Australia’s urban and suburban developments have been designed for young families rather than older residents. As a result, many seniors face mobility challenges, social isolation, and difficulty accessing essential services. Issues include:

• Urban sprawl forcing seniors to live in car-dependent areas with limited public transport.

• Limited pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as footpaths, seating areas, and shaded walkways.

• Inadequate public spaces designed for seniors, leading to reduced social engagement and isolation.

2. Public Transport Accessibility Issues

Reliable and accessible public transport is essential for maintaining independence in old age. However, many Australian cities still have transport systems that are not fully senior-friendly, including:

• Train stations and bus stops without proper accessibility features, such as ramps, lifts, and seating.

• Unreliable public transport in regional areas, where many older Australians live.

3. The Rising Demand for Healthcare-Integrated Urban Design

As age brings an increase in the incidence of chronic illnesses and mobility issues, urban planners must consider how to integrate healthcare services into residential areas. Current issues include:

• A shortage of medical centres, aged care facilities, and rehabilitation services within walking distance of senior housing.

• Long wait times for home care services, forcing many seniors into aged care prematurely.

• A lack of mixed-use developments, where housing, healthcare, retail, and social services are combined into one walkable area.

DEVELOPING HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR AUSTRALIANS OVER 65

With Australia’s Baby Boomer generation reaching retirement, the population aged 65 years and over is also projected to nearly double, from 3.8 million people in 2017 to between 6.4 million and 6.7 million people in 2042 (ABS), putting Australia’s housing system under immense strain. Housing this wave of aging residents requires solutions that address the need for age-friendly housing options, pedestrian infrastructure, and proximity to healthcare services.

So, what could the solutions encompass?

1. Expanding Age-Friendly Housing Options

The typical Australian housing model of building suburban homes with a backyard does not suit an ageing population. There is a growing need for smaller, accessible, and low-maintenance housing options that allow seniors to age in place. Solutions could include:

• Downsizer-friendly" housing developments with features like step-free access, wider doorways, and senior-friendly layouts.

• Encouraging multi-generational living, where homes are designed to accommodate both elderly parents and younger family members.

• Government incentives for retirees to downsize, freeing up larger homes for younger families while ensuring seniors can move to suitable housing.

• Transit Oriented Developments (TOD) with access to appropriate affordable housing, could allow older adults to age with greater independence and social connectedness within their community.

2. Growth of Retirement Villages and Community Housing

Retirement villages provide secure, socially active, and healthcare-accessible environments for seniors; however, they remain unaffordable for many Australians and/or in most instances are at full occupancy levels. Solutions could include:

• Expanding government-subsidised retirement housing to accommodate low-income seniors.

• Developing rental-based retirement communities, offering flexibility for those who do not own homes.

• Encouraging more aged care co-living models, where seniors can share housing with access to shared caregivers and amenities.

3. Integrating Housing with Healthcare Services

Future developments should prioritise integrated housing models, where aged care and healthcare services are within or near senior housing. This approach has proven successful in Europe and Asia, and could be adapted more widely for Australia through:

• Building aged care hubs near hospitals and medical centres for quicker access to health services.

• Developing mixed-use housing projects with onsite nurses, physiotherapists, and wellness centres.

• Expanding home-care-based support, reducing the need for seniors to move into aged care facilities prematurely.

4. Retrofitting Existing Homes for Ageing in Place

Many seniors prefer to stay in their current homes, but most Australian houses are not designed for old age. Home modifications can help seniors remain independent longer, however can come with costs are out of reach for some. For example, major bathroom upgrades, non-slip flooring, stairlifts etc. Is there a role for Government-backed funding schemes to assist seniors with home renovations?

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND POLICY REFORM

Image Credit: Inde Awards, ‘Collectively Ours, Second Beginnings: Senior Living Redefined’ by COLOURS

There is no doubt that addressing the Silver Tsunami requires government intervention and policy reform at both federal and state levels. Policy changes should consider the scale of the challenge, and explore the following themes:

• Mandating universal design standards in all new housing developments to accommodate seniors and people with disabilities.

• Expanding funding for public and community housing specifically designed for ageing Australians.

• Creating age-inclusive urban planning policies, requiring councils to consider the needs of older residents in new developments.

• Providing tax incentives for developers who build age-friendly housing and integrated aged-care communities.

 The Silver Tsunami is reshaping Australia’s social and economic landscape. While it presents significant challenges for Australia’s housing sector, proactive planning and investment can turn this demographic shift into an opportunity for a more inclusive, sustainable, age-friendly society. By focusing on accessible housing, integrated healthcare services, better transport infrastructure, and senior-friendly urban planning, Australia can turn this demographic shift into an opportunity for innovation and growth, ensuring a high quality of life for our aging community. One thing is clear, action is required now, before the tidal wave hits.