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The Program Cycle

The work toward age-friendly livability involves a continuous process of improvement

Members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities commit to an assessment process and cycle of continuous improvement. 


Enrollment

Communities interested in joining the network can find the membership application and related information on the Join the Network page. Questions can be addressed to the applicant's AARP State Office and/or by emailing Livable@AARP.org


Conduct a Survey and Listening Sessions

In order to improve the community for older adults and people of all ages an age-friendly community needs to assess the communities needs. AARP provides a survey template (available in English and Spanish) that can be adapted to local needs. Links to surveys conducted by AARP and others can be found for several of the communities on The Member List.
 
A free guide to conducting community listening sessions is part of the AARP Roadmap to Livability workbook series.

Develop an Action and Evaluation Plan

This phase features the following key elements:

  1. Establish a way — such as through a commission, advisory panel or focus groups — to include older residents in all stages of the age-friendly planning and implementation process

  2. Conduct a community needs assessment (AARP can provide survey examples, templates and an online tool in English and Spanish)

  3. Develop an action and evaluation plan based on the assessment results

  4. Submit the plan for review by AARP

Examples of action plans can be found within The Member List.

Action planning guidance can be found on the Age-Friendly Resources page.


Implementation

Implement and work toward the goals of the plan and share solutions, successes and best practices with AARP. Examples of progress reports can be found within The Member List.


Evaluate and Update

Assess the plan’s impact and submit progress reports — and then start again by setting new goals.


Stay Informed — For Free!

The weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter provides local leaders with information and inspiration for making their town, city or neighborhood more livable for older adults and people of all ages. Subscribe today!

Our Free Publications!

See the complete list at AARP.org/LivableLibrary

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Contact Us

 
  • Email AARP Livable Communities at Livable@AARP.org.

  • Ask about the AARP Livability Index by completing this online form.

  • AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the AARP Contact Us page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).