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The AARP Livability Index  scores every neighborhood and community in the United States for the services and amenities that affect people’s lives the most.  

From  April 18-22, 2022 AARP explored this groundbreaking tool live in a series of deep-dive conversations focused on three of the seven core elements of the Index – housing, transportation, and engagement. 

AARP experts, thought leaders, and community members discussed how critical these and other elements are to ensuring that communities are meeting the needs of people of all ages.

Day 1

DAY 1: AARP LIVABILITY INDEX LAUNCH AND EXPANDING HOUSING OPTIONS THROUGH ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS) 

See a demonstration of the redesigned site and the unveiling of the 2022 top scoring livable communities in the US. Take a closer look at one of the seven categories of livability, housing, and the benefits of accessory dwelling units for individuals and communities seeking reasonable and flexible housing options that meet the needs of families and older adults alike.

HOSTED BY: Rodney Harrell, Vice President, Family, Home and Community, AARP

Introduction to the 2022 AARP Livability Index

MODERATOR: Rodney Harrell, VP, Family, Home and Community, AARP

SPEAKERS: 

Spotlight on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

SPEAKER: Shannon Guzman, Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, AARP 
 

ADU: One-on-One Conversation with an ADU Design Expert

MODERATOR: Rodney Harrell, Vice President, Family, Home and Community, AARP

SPEAKER: 

  • June Grant, Design Principal, blink!LAB

Keynote Speaker: Bob Goldberg, CEO, National Association of REALTORS® 

Keynote Discussion: Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary, US Department of Housing and Urban Development and Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO, AARP

All About Accessory Dwelling Units 
Download free AARP publications and browse an entire library of resources on accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Housing for Older Adults and the Importance of Livable Communities
Watch the full conversation between HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins regarding the important housing needs of older adults.

The New AARP Livability Index: ADUs Provide Possibilities for Now, and the Future
Learn more about the new housing policy indicator and the role ADUs play in supporting Americans' desire to remain in their homes and communities as they age. 

AARP Livable Communities
See how and why AARP is working with local leaders and residents nationwide to make communities more livable for people of all ages. 

Public Policy Institute (PPI) Housing Issue Area
See For more information about PPI's housing policy solutions aimed at increasing the availability, affordability, and variety of housing options to support peoples' desire to remain in their communities as they age, visit PPI online.

A North Carolina ADU Story: Keeping Family Close By

Day 2

DAY 2: CLOSED-DOOR SESSION FOR MEMBERS OF THE AARP NETWORK OF AGE-FRIENDLY STATES AND COMMUNITIES (NAFSC)   

Hosted by the AARP Livability Index project team and Bill Armbruster of AARP Livable Communities, this special session took a special look at how AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (NAFSC) members can use the Index to help inform their efforts to improve livability in their communities.

Day 3

DAY 3: TRANSFORMING TRANSPORTATION  
   

Day 3 featured in-depth conversations on how livable communities provide their members with transportation options that connect people to social activities, economic opportunities and medical care. 

HOSTED BY: Rodney Harrell, Vice President, Family, Home and Community, AARP

Transforming Transportation: What Makes Transportation Great?

SPEAKER: Jana Lynott, Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, AARP 
 

A Conversation About Transportation Options for People in Your Community

MODERATOR:  Jana Lynott, Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, AARP

SPEAKERS:

  • Trayvond Jacobs, Executive Director, ITN Gateway 

  • Peter Johnke, Deputy Director, Vermont Center for Independent Living in Montpelier

  • Carrie Diamond, Co-Director, National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

AARP Future of Transportation: Disrupting the Transportation Sector
Explore how emerging technologies are transforming America’s transportation system and the potential impact this could have on our communities and person mobility. Read AARP’s report on “Volunteer Driver Insurance in the Age of Ridehailing” to learn about the challenge facing volunteer drivers and potential solutions to reduce these barriers.

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center 
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) promotes the availability and accessibility of transportation options that meet the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and communities. Read more about NATDC’s events, programs, and funding opportunities and access their resource library.  

ITN America
Visit the website for ITNAmerica, Independent Transportation Network of America, to learn more about sustainable, community-based transportation solutions designed to address the challenge of senior mobility.

Empowering People to Remain Independent

Day 4

DAY 4: CLOSED DOOR SESSION FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS  
   

Hosted by the AARP Livability Index team in partnership with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), this special session introduced the Index to NAR members and how the tool can benefit their clients.

Day 5

DAY 5: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH HIGH-SPEED INTERNET 
  
   

The final day of AARP Livability Index Week focused on high-speed internet and how communities, especially those in rural areas, are increasing access and connectivity as a way to improve livability for residents.

HOSTED BY: Rodney Harrell, Vice President, Family, Home and Community, AARP

High Speed Internet-How Communities are Making Their Own Connections

SPEAKER: Coralette Hannon, Senior Legislative Representative, AARP  

Spotlight on AARP Activities in the Community

MODERATOR: Mike Watson, Director, Livable Communities, AARP

SPEAKERS:

  • Joy McGill, Associate State Director of Outreach, AARP Oklahoma

  • Brenda Price, Associate. State Director of Outreach, AARP Michigan

Keynote Speaker: Nicol Turner Lee, Director, Center for Technology Innovation, The Brookings Institution

High-Speed Internet Discount Program Passes 11M Enrollees
Read a quick summary on the US government’s $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to help more low-income households be able to afford high-speed internet. 

The New AARP Livability Index: High-speed Internet Access Is an Indicator of Community Livability
What is the connection between access to high-speed internet and livability? Take a closer look at why the AARP Livability Index measures broadband access in communities across the U.S.

AARP Community Challenge Grant Program
Learn more about the AARP Livable Communities grant program to help communitites make improvements and jump-start long-term progress in support of people of all ages.

Connecting Rural Arkansas via High-Speed Internet