City Life: What a Wonderful Way of Life—Aging in the Urban Environment

Abstract

This chapter attempts to discuss the complexities of aging in an urban context with specific attention to a few salient issues that intersects across cultural groups in urban communities. Older adults in urban environments are examined from People in Place of what it is like growing up in an urban environment. Challenges for Urban Elders dealing with urban issues of substance abuse, mental health, HIV/AIDS, and general health are addressed. Existing strategies and approaches to dealing with issues of urban environments for older adults are considered. Intersectionality, Systems/Ecological, and the Strengths Perspective are the theories guiding the discussion of both the positive and challenges of older adults aging in an urban environment. Through the lens of these theories, the multi-facets of urban context and older adults will be better understood.