When 'Granny Pods' were reported on earlier this month, there was a general consensus that they were "pretty damn cool," and that there definitely will be a shift in how the elder generation is cared for when they can – or should – not live on their own. 

Forget that. The future, according to the architecture firm Spark, is Homefarm, and its a health, housing and farming concept that will revolutionize urban retirement.

Reports Inhabitat, in an ideal future, residents would be gifted a space for living and another for farming, allowing them to participate in the agricultural process if they desired.

In contrast to typical retirement communities and nursing homes (which, let's be honest, can be quite impersonal and sterile), a Homefarm would encourage folks to get active and feel empowered on the daily.

There are many benefits to the proposed concept. Urban farms, as was recently reported, are essential in helping localize food in city environments. Sourcing local, organic produce is not only better for the planet, it's healthier and good for the economy.

Credit: Spark