How Portland can be a more age-friendly city

Three-quarters of adults over the age of 50 want to remain in their homes as they age, according to the American Association of Retired Persons. But for some older adults in Portland, current infrastructure presents some serious physical and social challenges. A new draft report from Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability lays out some recommendations to address these issues. The Age and Disability Inclusive Neighborhoods Action Plan advocates for creating age-friendly centers, increasing accessible public spaces and providing more support for those wanting to age in place. Alan DeLaTorre is an adjunct professor in the College of Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State University and the former Age-Friendly City program manager for Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. He is also the main author of the new plan. He joins us to share the challenges facing Portland’s older population and what it would mean to make the city more age-friendly.