Population aging, health and urban environment in Latin America. Challenges of gerontological Urbanism

The study reflects on the challenges of aging populations in urban Latin America, highlighting the importance of the gerontological planning of physical and social environment on the health and quality of life of older people. The methodology consisted of a review of the scientific literature, mainly journals indexed to Scopus and Thomson-Reuters index. The results indicate that, in the region the urban growth exacerbates environmental conditions and health problems of the elderly population, a situation that is exacerbated by the context of social vulnerability (poverty, problems of access to health services). Also, some of the keys are discussed in understanding the challenges of gerontological planning of cities in Latin America, and the active participation of older people in the design of the dynamic and stimulating built environment, especially, homes and public spaces. In addition, in the region the advancement of the urban population aging will generate strong demand for environmental gerontologists, especially architects, urban planners and environmental health professionals, with gerontological training and the sensitivity in the favorable designs for aging in place.