The NAP project was an incredibly interesting research project that I had never thought about before. Considering I did my project “virtually” (but included photos from when I lived there and had a friend also send me some additional photos), the neighborhood setting was a little different than if I had driven or walked around. As well, the rural neighborhood that I chose, Hanover PA, is incredibly different from the metropolitan area of San Diego or other cities in California. There was far less information readily available, including an aging plan and social activities that were spread to the aging population. This is partially due to the fact that the population is significantly less -- Hanover, PA has a population of 50,000 while San Diego has 1.4 million people. I believe it is also due to the fact that Hanover hasn’t even necessarily thought about being age friendly: the buildings are all mostly originals that aren’t accessible, roads are not well maintained, there are not sidewalks anywhere other than residential neighborhoods, and the town itself is so spread out that it is nearly impossible to navigate without having to drive.
I had never thought about the difference between aging in a rural area versus an urban one, but there are clearly many differences. Public transportation is relatively easy and available here in San Diego, while there are only stops in Downtown Hanover and none of the outskirts of the town where many of the retirement communities are located. The only definite positive of Hanover is the plethora of greenery and national parks that are available year-long (weather permitting). The walking trails are easily accessible and provide bathrooms and benches on many, especially in Codorus State Park
I had never thought about the difference between aging in a rural area versus an urban one, but there are clearly many differences. Public transportation is relatively easy and available here in San Diego, while there are only stops in Downtown Hanover and none of the outskirts of the town where many of the retirement communities are located. The only definite positive of Hanover is the plethora of greenery and national parks that are available year-long (weather permitting). The walking trails are easily accessible and provide bathrooms and benches on many, especially in Codorus State Park