AARP: Policy and Research Information for Professionals in Aging

Investing in Livable Communities

People overwhelmingly want to live in their own homes and communities as they age.63 Most, in fact, do so. But many others confront housing and transportation barriers that take the choice away from them or make it difficult or impossible to remain independent and involved in their community. The challenge then is to create a livable community, one that has appropriate and affordable housing, adequate options for mobility, and the various community features and services that can facilitate personal independence and the continued engagement in the community’s civic and social life. Each of these elements of a livable community contributes to successful aging.64

To some extent we can expect the marketplace to resolve these issues. The growing number of older consumers as the baby boomers age will create demands that smart business owners will hasten to answer. But good community planning and sound public policy are also essential.

Housing plays a unique role in the life of older Americans. It provides a sense of comfort and security as well as shelter. Universal design is critical to aging with independence. Both the private and public sectors should seek the goal, not merely of retrofitting houses, but rather of designing and building homes that meet new specifications capable of serving homeowners for a lifetime.

Housing for adults 50+ also should create choice to the maximum possible extent. It is important to give older Americans options—to remain in a life-long home, to buy an apartment, or to move into an assisted-living facility or retirement community. Yet many Americans do not have those options. Unfortunately, the nation’s affordable housing inventory is diminishing as the demand increases and communities are losing their diverse and affordable housing that is essential to meet the needs of all their residents.65

Public policy and private actions can help remedy these problems. For example, new models of community design, in the United States and internationally, incorporate best practices that promote livable communities. Residential land use and smart-growth policies are in place in many communities and provide models to establish the priorities that an aging society will need. State and local housing authorities can be pressed to issue tax-exempt bonds to finance the construction of assisted-living facilities. Public funding for housing development can be tied to features that help older Americans maintain their independence. Older Americans may wish to consider reverse mortgages—loans against your house that do not have to be repaid as long as you live there. While such loans may be used for any purpose, some find them a way to finance home repairs and conversions.

The availability of supportive services also influences not only whether a person can remain in the community but also the types of activities in which a person can participate. A livable community actively promotes the inclusion of residents in its social and economic life. Such communities have the physical features, programs, and readily accessible services that enable older residents and people with disabilities to remain independent and actively engaged in community life.

Transportation is the crucial link between individuals and their communities and is essential for independence. For most older people, mobility is a vital component of their quality of life and having affordable, easy-to-use, and flexible transportation options is essential. Without mobility, older Americans pay the price of isolation—poorer physical and mental health.66 In a nation dominated by an automobile culture, creating a range of mobility options can be a daunting task.

Transportation experts are seeking ways to improve the driver, the vehicle, and the driving environment. The first effort must begin with policies that help older Americans drive safely longer. Refresher driving training classes are a start. In addition, highway construction policy needs to evaluate and act on criteria that will improve visibility (e.g., lettering, color, size, and location of traffic signs) and enhance driver safety (e.g., left-turn lanes, protected turn signals, and traffic-management measures).

Communities also need to enhance mobility options for those who no longer drive. As Figure 5 illustrates, not surprisingly, older Americans still depend disproportionately upon automobiles to meet their transportation needs. Livable communities must have alternatives for those who cannot or choose not to drive, or they could become increasingly isolated.

Despite the need for transportation alternatives, the availability of public transportation is limited, particularly in rural areas. For non-drivers of any age, public transportation, walking and bicycling paths, and specialized transportation for individuals with varying functional capabilities, can make the crucial difference in living independently and being involved in community life.

Public and private sector collaboration will facilitate efforts to ensure that older people have affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options.