Santa Monica dazzles with its ocean views, sunshine, and laid-back charm. But beyond the postcard image lies a more complicated reality—one where the city’s infrastructure often falls short of supporting the people who live there. From obstructed traffic views caused by misplaced signage to uncomfortable, exposed bus stops, daily life can be surprisingly difficult. For seniors, these challenges aren’t just inconveniences—they’re barriers to independence and well-being.
As the population ages, issues like mobility, visibility, and response time become more pressing. Designing a city that supports older adults—with safe crossings, shaded seating, and quieter streets—creates a better, more inclusive urban experience for everyone.
While Santa Monica has made commendable progress in offering services for seniors, low-income residents, and people with disabilities, the city’s physical environment tells a different story. Its infrastructure—the sidewalks, signs, transportation hubs, and public spaces—often contradicts its image as a haven of health and wellness. The very elements that should support daily life are too often sources of friction, frustration, or risk.
Consider the simple act of waiting for a bus. In a city bathed in sun, many stops offer no shelter or seating. Elderly riders must choose between standing in the heat or sitting wherever they can find support, and scarce seating is often unclean or occupied by dirty, abandoned possessions. Crosswalks, frequently obscured by traffic signs or poorly timed lights, leave seniors rushing across busy intersections they cannot navigate safely. The constant noise of buses, motorcycles, and traffic only adds to the stress, especially for those with hearing or cognitive challenges.
Contrast this with what an age-friendly Santa Monica could be: streets lined with trees that offer shade and beauty, benches thoughtfully placed for rest and connection, and a soundscape that soothes rather than overwhelms. These aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for an aging population. And they benefit everyone.
Cities across Europe are already embracing this vision. The World Health Organization has outlined clear, practical criteria for age-friendly urban design—from clear signage and noise regulation to accessible transit and affordable, well-located housing. Many cities are going further. In Helsinki, planners use sensor data to determine ideal bench locations and lighting conditions. In Spain, digital route planners help seniors navigate their cities confidently. Dutch cities are reimagining housing to promote intergenerational connection, not isolation.
Meanwhile, Santa Monica’s infrastructure remains piecemeal—well-intentioned but fragmented. The city could take a major step forward by joining the WHO’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. With a dedicated planner and a tailored checklist of design standards, Santa Monica could begin systematically aligning its public spaces with the needs of all its residents.
Zoning reforms could allow aging residents to remain in their neighborhoods by converting outdated “dingbat” apartment buildings into small-scale assisted living facilities. Enforcing noise and smoking laws—especially at bus stops and in dense areas—would improve public health and comfort. Upgrades to bus stops with shaded seating and raising or relocating signs that currently block drivers’ views are simple fixes with outsized impacts.
Santa Monica has the natural beauty and the community spirit to lead by example. But to truly live up to its promise, the city must bridge the gap between appearance and experience. By focusing not just on how the city looks, but how it functions for those who need it most, Santa Monica can become not just a beautiful place—but a livable one.
Daniel Jansenson, Architect, Building & Fire-Life Safety Commission
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow: Robert H. Taylor AIA; Dan Jansenson; Thane Roberts; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA; Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE; Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect & Landmarks Commissioner
