Chapter 3: Societal Benefits and Challenges of Sustainable Buildings and Their Ecosystems for Aging Populations

As the world population expands from over seven billion to over nine billion [1] by the middle of this century, societies must develop new models for sustainable living for all age groups. The design of new and innovative ecosystems must therefore be addressed for all age groups. As our society outgrows the renewable resources available, one of our most vulnerable, i.e., the elderly, populations will face major challenges. This leads to the challenge we face of how can the lifestyles of our elders be enhanced to assist their general well-being of their lives and also enhance the well-being of all citizens in our various societies?