Note: This news was published over two years ago.

Quality of life communities - housing development for seniors

Thursday, September 28, 2023 Ritstjórn

Tjarnarsalur hall at Reykjavík City Hall was packed for yesterday's informational meeting on quality of life communities. Many others followed the livestream. The meeting fostered an open discussion about the state of housing matters for older adults, gathering inspiration and ideas on how they want to live. Developers also presented several ideas submitted in response to Reykjavík City's call for partners last spring. A recording is now available on the meeting web page, where you can also view the speakers' presentations. Visit the Quality of life communities of the future web page.

Mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson hosted the meeting. His address was titled Quality of life communities: large-scale housing development for seniors in Reykjavík. He noted that the meeting aimed to open a conversation about the nature and meaning of the term "quality of life communities." He added that the City must examine how best to plan development, including what to emphasize and what to avoid. He emphasized the importance of listening to seniors' views and learning from the experiences of other countries. He pointed out that older adults are, above all, individuals with diverse and varied needs.

1,100 homes for seniors

During his presentation, Dagur announced that the City plans to allocate lots for 1,100 homes for seniors over the next 10 years. The need for such housing is growing as large generations enter their senior years in the coming years. In recent years, 465 nursing ward spaces and residential units for older adults have opened in Reykjavík. He also reviewed projects completed in recent years alongside those currently underway. View the mayor's presentation slides. You can also watch a recording of the mayor's presentation here.

Today, about 89% of seniors live in their own homes, and this demographic averages little debt. Dagur observed that many in this group may live in unsuitable housing and might be considering a move. The need for services also generally increases with age, particularly after 80. He urged housing market developers to consider all of these factors.

Strong interest in partnering on quality of life communities

Last spring, Reykjavík City called for partners and ideas regarding quality of life communities. The response was robust, drawing 23 submissions. Communication with these parties will continue. Some submissions included ideas related to the project, various organizations and institutions expressed interest in collaboration, and several proposals came from property owners wanting to develop their lots in line with quality of life community concepts. Five respondents presented their ideas at the meeting.

Dagur announced that a proposal would go to the City Executive Council to form partnerships with the lot holders who scored highest in the selection evaluation model. These quality of life communities are well-situated within the city, boasting close proximity to development areas and transportation connections. For more details, view the mayor's and developers' presentations.