Age-Friendly Zoning for Diverse and Affordable Housing
According to the Census Bureau, approximately 47% of NH households have someone who is 60 or older.
While most older adults wish to age in place, there are several complicating factors including a lack of affordable and diverse housing to accommodate older adults and individuals with a disability. Zoning plays a key role in creating diverse housing and age-friendly communities by designating where housing, schools, businesses, parks, and other community buildings can exist.
Where we live influences our health. Zoning policies contribute to creating age-friendly communities by providing access to nutritious food, good air quality, or access to diverse housing. Zoning can also bar age-friendly communities by restricting building types and home modifications. Further, because zoning is managed on a local level, people’s health varies across communities in the Granite State.
