E21 – Developing High-Rise Senior Living in Urban Mixed-Use Environments

As consumer preferences evolve, many are moving away from traditional, age-segregated Life Plan Communities toward intergenerational models that foster authentic and dynamic connections across age groups. This session explores how communities can proactively embrace this shift-blending residential, care, and community resources to create vibrant, inclusive environments. Putting Intergenerational Planning into Practice: Attendees will gain practical strategies for embedding intergenerational principles into both large-scale master plans and smaller-scale projects. Presenters will share practical guidelines for incorporating intergenerational elements-using many of the traditional programming and financing metrics, but reimagined through a new lens for development, design, and operations. Seeing the Concepts in Action: Take a deep dive into how Three Pillars Senior Living Communities is expanding its residential offerings to provide more diverse lifestyle offerings to both senior and non-senior users. This real-world case study will illustrate how intentional placemaking, phased implementation, and mission-aligned amenities-such as a Cognitive Resource Center and workforce housing-can bring intergenerational values to life while enhancing long-term community sustainability.

Sharing collective and interdisciplinary experience, the panel will discuss how collaboration supports intergenerational communities to identify, verify, and provide components for successful aging. From various points of view including design, gerontological, and communications perspectives, case study examples will illustrate the opportunities within local communities for influencing positive change. At the core, a universal design, inclusive, and equitable approach to coordinating wellness supports multi-family housing communities, neighborhoods, and those aging in community. Various types of intergenerational models can extend beyond walls, while addressing food insecurities, workforce development, affordability, vetted services, attainable housing, and access to wellness coordination. Sharing successful models through various expertise perspectives demonstrates the importance of supportive environments that encourage engagement, experiential learning, and intergenerational activities. Join us for a conversation about various types of intergenerational projects that feature successful case studies and care models. By sharing the process and framework used for intergenerational projects, communities, providers, architects, and designers can support initiatives of their own. As an attendee, you are a change agent that can support equitable and sustainable solutions for grassroots change supporting quality of life for residents of all ages to thrive.

Senior living market dynamics and consumer expectations are increasingly challenging the status quo for relevance, resilience, and inclusivity. This session presents the latest findings from the SAGE/AIA Design for Aging Joint Intergenerational Task Force (IGTF), now in its third year of advancing knowledge at the intersection of aging, design, and intergenerational engagement. Building on a multi-wave Delphi survey, an expert charrette workshop, and the development of an intergenerational roadmap, this session reveals new insights and real-world applications from diverse stakeholders care providers, developers, designers, and residents. Presenters will share strategic frameworks, practical tools, and case study examples that highlight how intergenerational initiatives can unlock innovation, strengthen community identity, and create long-term value across generations. Whether you're designing, developing, or operating senior living environments, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to differentiate offerings, enhance engagement, and meet the growing demand for meaningful multigenerational connections. Join us to explore what's next in intergenerational design, and how your projects can lead the way in creating vibrant, future-ready communities.