PLANNING FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN SHANGHAI

The question of how to deal with the many types of practical problems related to an aged population is a new subject facing Chinese architec ts and planners, as it has arisen due to current demographic and devel opmental conditions. These problems are especially acute in the renova tion of older urban districts as well as in the development and constr uction of new residential areas. Based upon a recent survey in a new r esidential district of Shanghai, this article addresses the problems o f the elderly with regard to three basic concerns: (1) the decision of the types of dwelling units in the development and construction of ne w residential areas; (2) the potential for construction of apartment h ouses specially designed for the elderly; and (3) the possible means o f improving the residential environment of the new communities. (C) 19 97 Elsevier Science Ltd.