HAIL: Healthy Aging through Intergenerational Living
Award of Excellence
Research
College Station, Texas, United States
Na Wang, Student ASLA;
Faculty Advisors:
Sinan Zhong;
Galen Newman, FASLA;
Xuemei Zhu;
Texas A&M University
Interesting look at aging in place is compelling, innovative, and well documented.
- 2025 Awards Jury
Project Credits
Danielle Zhang Ren
Volunteer
Project Statement
With a rapidly aging population, loneliness and social isolation among older adults have become urgent public health concerns. The literature suggests that intergenerational interactions can help address these concerns by fostering social connections and enhancing well-being. This project represents an innovative effort to develop a toolkit for age-inclusive community design. We assessed the site using GIS data and iCAT-park, a tool developed by our team. Low-scoring site features and elements were improved through the toolkit supported by 8 environmental design strategies. Post-design evaluation confirmed its effectiveness in enhancing intergenerational engagement, while addressing issues related to stormwater management and heat safety.
Project Narrative
With rapid demographic shifts, urban sprawl and aging have become major challenges of the 21st century (World Health Organization, 2021). By 2050, adults aged 65+ will make up 23% of the U.S. population (United States Census Bureau, 2023). Loneliness and isolation within this group are major concerns linked to depression, cognitive decline, chronic illness, and mortality (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015; Hsu, 2020; Sciences et al., 2020; Tomaka et al., 2006; Valtorta et al., 2016). Notably, 43% of adults aged 60+ report loneliness, and 24% of those aged 65+ feel socially isolated. The College Station–Bryan area is one of the fastest-growing metros for older adults, with rapid population growth.
Intergenerational interaction offers a promising solution, providing older adults with physical, mental, and psychosocial benefits, such as reduced loneliness and social isolation, increased physical and social activities, stronger social ties, and improved well-being (Burnes et al., 2019; Kirsh et al., 2021; Machielse & Duyndam, 2020; Nicholson Jr & Shellman, 2013; 2015; Zhong, Lee, Foster, et al., 2020; Zhong, Lee, & Lee, 2020).
This study develops a step-by-step analytical and design framework to enhance intergenerational interactions in public parks. Through literature review and case study analysis, eight environmental design strategies were identified. GIS data and iCAT-park, an intergenerational park assessment tool developed by our team, were used to analyze senior facilities and parks in the College Station–Bryan area. Results showed that within a 0.5-mile radius of senior facilities, parks cover only 5% of the land, limiting opportunities for outdoor activity and social engagement. A detailed evaluation of the 20 largest parks in College Station identified Hensel Park, the fourth largest, as having the lowest score, highlighting its potential for re-design. Environmental challenges, such as flooding, high humidity, and excessive heat, were identified, which significantly affect older adults by increasing fall risk and discouraging outdoor activity.
Nine site-specific strategies and a corresponding design toolkit were developed by linking Hensel Park’s low-score features with the eight previously identified environmental design strategies for fostering intergenerational interactions. The toolkit was implemented through spatial axes, circulation systems, stormwater management, and designated intergenerational contact areas. A comparison of pre- and post-design evaluations confirmed the effectiveness of this analytical and design approach in promoting intergenerational interactions.
Plant List:
- Asiatic Jasmine
- Pecan
- Wild Tomato
- Rough-fruited Buttercup
- Straggler Daisy
- Licorice Weed
- Gold Star Esperanza
- Bur Oak
- Chinkapin Oak
- Shumard Red Oak