Built environments for healthy aging: Environmental health approaches to age- and dementia inclusive communities

Abstract

The built environment plays a critical role in shaping quality of life and population health by influencing mobility, social participation, safety, and access to essential services. As Canada's population ages, there is a growing need to plan age-friendly and dementia-inclusive neighbourhoods where people of all ages and abilities can meet daily needs and participate in community life close to home. Research shows there are specific planning and design strategies that can improve health outcomes for older adults and people living with dementia—whose needs are often not captured by broader age-friendly plans. 

This webinar will share key findings from the Age- and Dementia-Inclusive Neighbourhood Guidelines, developed by Happy Cities and the DemSCAPE Project at Simon Fraser University. The session will highlight evidence-based planning and design strategies that promote physical, mental, and social well-being that link urban design decisions with health outcomes for older adults and people living with dementia. Participants will also explore Canadian and international case studies showing how local governments are embedding age and dementia inclusivity within their built environment initiatives, advancing broader goals around climate resilience, accessibility, active living, and health equity.

Speakers

Habib Chaudhury, PhD
Professor, Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University

Dr. Habib Chaudhury, Professor in the Department of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University has extensive research experience in the field of environmental gerontology. He conducts research and consulting work in the following areas: physical environment for people with dementia in long-term care facilities, dementia-inclusive communities, and community planning and urban design for age-friendly communities. Projects have been funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), CapitalCare Foundation and the Centre for Health Design.

Dr. Chaudhury received the Excellence in Teaching Award at Simon Fraser University in 2013 and the Research Excellence Award (Milestone) in 2025.

Emma Avery, MA Urban Geography
Urban Planner and Communications Specialist, Happy Cities

Emma is an urban planner, researcher, and designer at Happy Cities, a Vancouver- and Halifax-based consultancy that uses the science of wellbeing to create healthier, happier, more inclusive communities. Emma leads communications and knowledge translation at Happy Cities, distilling research and best practices into compelling stories that show the power of urban design in influencing human wellbeing. She has worked with cities, academics, health authorities, and more to conduct research and create design guidelines on how homes and neighbourhoods can strengthen health, social ties, belonging, and resilience for diverse residents. She completed her masters in urban geography at McGill University.