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HealthbyDesign

HealthbyDesign  



︎  Leveraging Linkages:
For accessibility, enrichment, mobility, social cohesion and sustainability


By dialing in on connecting spaces, we can use design interventions across the design continuum to create accessible, enriching environments that enhance mobility, intergenerational social cohesion, and sustainability, with the overarching outcome of supporting the six pillars of brain health.
By Rucha Chitale ︎ , Taylor Valentine ︎, Emily Yi ︎,




Who
Image of Personas Lucy and Carol
Lucy (71) is active and works at UofM, but her retired partner Carol (74) has osteoarthritis, and often uses a wheelchair. Along with accessibility challenges in their suburb, this has contributed to reduced mobility, stagnation, and social isolation, contributing to cognitive decline.   

Why
In 2024, more Americans will turn 65 than any other time in history. As our population ages, challenges such as reduced mobility, social isolation, and cognitive decline become increasingly prevalent. By addressing the six pillars of brain health, we can design interventions to ensure cognitive health throughout the lifespan and across generations.

How
By focusing on pedestrian paths from suburbs to community spaces, we can introduce interventions to improve accessibility, mobility, social cohesion, and sustainability. These connected spaces can be transformed into destinations themselves—third spaces that build social capital and brain health.


What
Now.
Design interventions that improve pedestrian experience and allow for increased mobility, like additional crosswalks and solar lighting.

Near. 
 Widened sidewalks framed by modules such as seating, pollinator gardens, playgrounds, and community agriculture projects. 

Far.
All linking spaces should be intentionally designed for active use, including for community events, social programming, physical activity, and play spaces.



So What
Through these relatively simple interventions, the urban realm can be radically transformed to address diminishing social cohesion in sprawling suburbia, build intergenerational social capital and promote brain health.


 

Six Pillars of Brain Health Web


Design To Outcomes
Our design interventions intentionally work to improve accessibility, mobility, social cohesion, enrichment, and sustainability, while also contributing to improved brain health by addressing the six pillars. By implementing these simple design interventions in neighborhoods across the world, we can significantly enhance the quality of life in our communities and ensure brain health throughout the lifespan, while at the same time, designing for the health of the planet and future generations.

Manage Stress.

Physical activity, exposure to nature, sense of safety, and social capital all contribute to stress reduction.

Engage the Brain.
Playgrounds, time spent outdoors, enhanced biodiversity, and social engagement all provide mental stimulation.

Be Social. Expanded areas for community gathering, improved pedestrian experience and community engagement programs all build social cohesion.

Eat Right. Community agriculture initiatives can expand access to fresh produce, while increased mobility expands access to grocery options.

Restorative Sleep. Increased daylight exposure, physical exercise and reduced stress can all contribute to better sleep quality.

Ongoing Exercise. Enhanced pedestrian experience, intergenerational playgrounds, and accessible green space, all incentivize regular physical activity.
Figure 6. AARP’s Six Pillars of Brain Health (AARP).

Links to Follow:
    ︎︎︎Two Page Report
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Works Cited
  1. AARP. (2023). Intergenerational Play Spaces. https://www.aarpinternational.org/file%20library/build%20equity/aarp-intergenerationalplay-casestudy-final.pdf
  2. Bonaccorsi, G., Manzi, F., Del Riccio, M., Setola, N., Naldi, E., Milani, C., Giorgetti, D., Dellisanti, C., & Lorini, C. (2020). Impact of the Built Environment and the Neighborhood in Promoting the Physical Activity and the Healthy Aging in Older People: An Umbrella Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(17), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176127
  3. Cambra, P., & Moura, F. (2020). How does walkability change relate to walking behavior change? Effects of a street improvement in pedestrian volumes and walking experience. Journal of Transport & Health, 16, 100797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2019.100797
  4. Chang, P.-J. (2020). Effects of the built and social features of urban greenways on the outdoor activity of older adults. Landscape and Urban Planning, 204, 103929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103929
  5. Cleland, C. L., Baker, G., Turner, K., Jepson, R., Kee, F., Milton, K., Kelly, M. P., Nightingale, G., & Hunter, R. F. (2021). A qualitative exploration of the mechanisms, pathways and public health outcomes of a city centre 20mph speed limit intervention: The case of Belfast, United Kingdom. Health & Place, 70, 102627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102627
  6. Krzeczkowska, A., Spalding, D. M., McGeown, W. J., Gow, A. J., Carlson, M. C., & Nicholls, L. A. B. (2021). A systematic review of the impacts of intergenerational engagement on older adults’ cognitive, social, and health outcomes. Ageing Research Reviews, 71, 101400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101400
  7. Lund, H. (2002). Pedestrian Environments and Sense of Community. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 21(3), 301–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X0202100307
  8. Murayama, Y., Ohba, H., Yasunaga, M., Nonaka, K., Takeuchi, R., Nishi, M., Sakuma, N., Uchida, H., Shinkai, S., & Fujiwara, Y. (2015). The effect of intergenerational programs on the mental health of elderly adults. Aging & Mental Health, 19(4), 306–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2014.933309
  9. Sundling, C., & Jakobsson, M. (2023). How Do Urban Walking Environments Impact Pedestrians’ Experience and Psychological Health? A Systematic Review. Sustainability, 15(14), Article 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410817
  10. Vanderbeck, R., & Worth, N. (2015). Intergenerational Space. Routledge.
  11. Washington, T. L., Flanders Cushing, D., Mackenzie, J., Buys, L., & Trost, S. (2019). Fostering Social Sustainability through Intergenerational Engagement in Australian Neighborhood Parks. Sustainability, 11(16), Article 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11164435
  12. Won, J., Lee, C., Forjuoh, S. N., & Ory, M. G. (2016). Neighborhood safety factors associated with older adults’ health-related outcomes: A systematic literature review. Social Science & Medicine, 165, 177–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.024


Mark