Spaces for Aging in Place & Downtown Revitalization: The Experiences of Downtown Living for Older Adults in Calgary, AB
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Authors
Mallen, Sarah Elizabeth
Date
2025-03-24
Type
other
Language
en
Keyword
Alternative Title
Abstract
Canada is undergoing a significant demographic shift, with older adults aged 65 and above becoming one of the fastest-growing groups at approximately 20% of Canada’s overall population. Generally, research on age-friendly planning and aging in place emphasizes areas where older adults are larger proportions of municipal populations. Moreover, aging in place research in Canada traditionally focuses on suburban communities. However, recent census data suggests older adults are increasingly choosing to live in urban downtowns. This shift raises critical question about what attracts older adults to downtown living, and whether municipalities are adequately prepared to support them in a “youthified” urban structure. The purpose of this report is to explore the intersection of age-friendly planning, aging in place, and state-led downtown revitalization policies, using Calgary, Alberta as a case study in the post-pandemic planning era. As Canada’s demographically youngest and fastest growing province, Alberta has marketed itself as a “youthful” space to draw working age adults. However, this preference risks overlooking planning for older adults presently aging in Albertan communities. Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, with council-directed downtown revitalization policies intended to enhance vibrancy and livability amid concerns associated with Canada’s highest office vacancy rates. However, it remains unclear how these state-led revitalization policies address the needs and desires of older adults already living in Calgary’s main downtown neighbourhoods: the Beltline, Chinatown, East Village, Eau Claire, and Downtown West.