The Brake: A Streetsblog Podcast What Will It Take to Prepare Our Cities For the Impending Influx of Seniors? (Greg Shill)
9 snips
Jun 17, 2025 
Greg Shill, an author, attorney, and law professor, dives into the pressing need for cities to adapt their transportation systems as the Baby Boomer generation ages. He discusses the concept of 'design essentialism' and argues for necessary traffic enforcement measures. Shill highlights the mobility struggles seniors face as driving becomes less viable, advocating for urban planning that caters to their unique needs. He also emphasizes the importance of fostering safer, more accessible communities to enhance the quality of life for elderly residents.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Mobility Paradox of Modern Seniors
- The 1924-born centurion faces a degraded transit environment compared to the 1824-born individual despite modern options.
- As driving ability wanes with age, walkability and transit shortcomings severely limit mobility.
Driving Limits for Aging Populations
- Driving remains crucial for seniors with some mobility issues, but safety declines as they age.
- Longevity into the 90s and 100s demands new transportation solutions beyond driving.
Why Personal Life Years Matter
- Personal life years lost highlights premature death's greater impact than average life expectancy.
- Reducing traffic deaths can notably increase life expectancy by saving young lives.
