Altered proportions of retinal cell types and distinct visual codes in rodents occupying divergent ecological niches.

The 20-min neighborhood (20 MN) is an urban planning concept that aims to create self-sufficient communities where residents can meet most of their daily needs (e.g., grocery, parks, health care) within a 20-min walk, cycle, or public transport ride from their homes. Aimed at fostering livable communities, 20 MNs have garnered increasing attention among urban planners and policy makers (; ; ; ). This model emphasizes walkability, access to essential services, and the promotion of local living, reducing reliance on cars, and enhancing both environmental sustainability and social cohesion. The idea gained momentum, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as cities world-wide sought to rethink urban spaces to improve quality of life, public health, and resilience. Cities around the world have adopted variations of the “X-minute neighborhood” model (e.g., 15-min, 20-min, or 30-min neighborhood), to promote walkability, local access to services, and reduced car dependency. For example, Melbourne, Australia, and Liverpool, England, have implemented the 20 MN concept, with Melbourne showing increased walking in higher-density areas and Liverpool emphasizing equity in local resources (). Similar adaptations seen in Paris (15-min neighborhood), New York, Milan, and Montreal (30-min neighborhoods) aimed to reorganize their urban systems, reduce car dependency, and create pedestrian-friendly spaces, with mixed success depending on each city’s local infrastructure and planning context (; ). Despite growing enthusiasm, challenges remain in operationalizing the 20 MN concept and ensuring equitable implementation (). Differences in zoning, land use, and transit infrastructure can affect the feasibility of 20 MNs, particularly in car-dependent regions (). Ultimately, the success of 20 MNs hinges on aligning urban planning policies with local contexts, establishing adequate infrastructure, and addressing socioeconomic disparities to ensure that these neighborhoods benefit all residents (). Given the emphasis on livability and access to daily needs, 20 MNs may hold promise for supporting older adults’ health and mobility. Older adults frequently experience reduced life space and mobility, spending more time near their homes and neighborhoods with age (; ). Older age is the biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with the percent of individuals affected by dementia increasing from around 5 % at ages 71–79 years to approximately 37.4 % among ≥90-year-olds (). Coupled with this, the U.S. population of older adults is expected increase substantially in the next few decades, from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, with an expected corresponding rise in the prevalence of dementia (; ).