Longevity. The current movement around health and longevity is increasingly focused on extending healthspan—the years people live in good physical, cognitive, and social health, rather than simply increasing lifespan. That shift is showing up in public-health strategy, research funding, and private-sector innovation. We decided to take this a step further and shift the focus on land use strategy, real estate and economic development.
FEATURED ARTICLE
Healthspan – living in good physical, cognitive and social health. What does that mean outside of our healthcare system and wellness initiatives? The World Health Organization is leading the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), a global effort organized around four priorities: changing how we think about age and ageing, building age-friendly communities, delivering person-centered integrated care, and expanding access to long-term care for older adults. In the United States, the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) initiatives include reducing or eliminating food additives. And CDC’s healthy aging work emphasizes prevention, brain health, caregiving support, arthritis management, and evidence-based community programs that help people remain healthy and independent longer.
Several other initiatives are helping move the field from concept to action. The National Academy of Medicine’s Healthy Longevity Global Grand Challenge has supported hundreds of interdisciplinary projects aimed at improving well-being as populations age, while the World Bank has framed healthy longevity as a development and economic priority, highlighting interventions that reduce noncommunicable disease risk and strengthen primary care, long-term care, and financial protection. Across the broader “longevity economy,” employers, insurers, researchers, and local governments are also investing in prevention, physical activity, nutrition, social connection, and age-friendly design because longer lives affect not only health systems, but housing, work, caregiving, and community planning as well.
Real estate, land use, and economic development factors into all of these areas as well. Healthy longevity is already shaping business and community planning, especially where local decisions affect how people live, move, work, and access services over time. In practice, it often appears through place-based investments, zoning and housing choices, transportation design, and strategies that support health, well-being, and aging in place while expanding economic participation.
Where does this appear (or partially appear)?
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Housing and zoning: accessory dwelling units, smaller-format housing, mixed-use neighborhoods, and housing policies that help residents age in place or create multi-generational housing, while providing affordable living options for all generations.
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Transportation and street design: sidewalks, safer crossings, benches, lighting, biking and trail connections, and transit access that support physical activity and everyday mobility.
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Healthcare and service location strategy: siting clinics, emergency care, pharmacies, and supportive services closer to population centers and neighborhood hubs.
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Retail and placemaking: walkable districts, parks and public spaces, and daily-needs retail that reduce isolation, encourages connection, and makes communities more convenient across age groups.
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Economic development and workforce: strategies for lifelong learning, flexible work, caregiver support, and age-inclusive employment that extend participation in the local economy.
Underlying all the buildings we occupy for school, work, living, shopping, dining, recreation, and other services is a movement toward more healthy structures that limit our exposure to toxic chemicals, mold, and airborne illnesses. And including biophilic design, which integrates natural light, vegetation, outdoor views, natural materials, and access to green space into buildings and public places supports health, reduces stress, and improves overall comfort.
Incorporating these natural elements into buildings, streetscapes, and public spaces will improve occupant well-being, strengthen placemaking, and make communities more attractive for residents, employers, and investment.
PROBLEM? SOLVED. SITE SELECTION & ADVISORY
These are a few private sector clients we have recently helped:
- A southeastern perishable beverage company (not named due to confidentiality) has hired the Rose team to evaluate its real estate holdings and position for future growth and generational wealth, through asset management and site selection strategies.
FLASHBACK MOMENT!
Back in 2004 we completed a market analysis for the City of Charlotte for a mixed-use development at First Ward Park (which was subsequently built and still stands today). Since then, we completed several studies for the city on housing (for Hope VI projects), disposition of excess assets, the former Eastland Mall site, the West Trade/Rozelles Ferry Corridor, and others. Amazing to have watched the growth and change of this southeastern powerhouse from a small city to a thriving economic region. Built by business leaders and a staple of home-grown development companies, it is now the envy of many other regions and states, as it evolves from a 9-to-5 city to an 18-hour place worth investing in. We are proud to have played a very small part in it.
IN THE NEWS
We are honored to announce that Kathleen Rose, CCIM, CRE® has been nominated as the 2nd Vice Chair of the Counselors of Real Estate in 2027, and will move to become the Global Chair in 2029. The Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE) is a prestigious, international organization of experienced real estate professionals who provide high-level advisory services across all sectors of the industry. Established in 1953 and affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®, CRE membership is by invitation only, recognizing individuals for their exceptional expertise, integrity, and commitment to advancing the profession. Its members—known as CREs—are sought-after advisors who offer objective, strategic counsel on complex real estate issues, including investment, land use, sustainability, and public policy. Through thought leadership, collaboration, and education, the organization plays a significant role in shaping the future of real estate worldwide.
OUT & ABOUT ~ TRAVELING THE CAROLINAS
We have been on the road again assisting communities and clients throughout the Carolinas and the southeastern U.S. It all begins with understanding the market – and beyond simply looking at demographics, we do a comprehensive scan from several angles, creatively solve problems and formulate a customized plan for success. No “cut & paste” output here! These are a few places we have been or are traveling to this summer:
- Summerfield, NC – Community Strategic Plan
- Spartanburg, SC – Site evaluation and real estate strategy
- Chatham County/Pittsboro, NC – Predevelopment analysis
- Apex, NC – Site redevelopment plan
- Belmont, NC – Small area plans
- Georgetown, SC – Port area redevelopment plan
CHARLOTTE REGIONAL COMMERCIAL BOARD OF REALTORS (CRCBR) LAUNCHES THE MARKET MOMENTUM REPORT!
We are pleased to partner with CRCBR and Moody’s/Site Index to develop this quarterly report.
Find the latest one here: Market Momentum
We have Teamed Up With Award Winning Lancer Films
We are creating videos that highlight our client communities. With the results of the Prosperity Builder Scorecard, we will curate a promotional video that highlights each of the unique features of your community. See a sample version here that we did for our hometown of Davidson, NC: Prosperity Builder Scorecard 2024
How Can We Help?
Need a strategic plan for your community?
Rose Associates is a real estate and economic development advisory firm that helps local governments, non-profits, private investors, and real estate developers analyze markets and build strategies for stability, growth, and prosperity. Our 35+ years of experience in both urban and rural communities throughout the Carolinas and Southeast will guide you on a path toward success and help you make decisions that will expand your fiscal performance and get closer to your vision.
Connect with Rose Associates
Subscribe on YouTube: @roseassociatesnc
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Reach out to Kathleen at krose@roseassociates.com if you want to know more and put “Help” in the subject line.
