Livable Communities and Aging

       A livable community includes features that allow individuals to remain in their homes, or at least in their communities, and to maintain independence and life quality as they age. 

Some  features of livable communities:

• Affordable, accessible housing
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Access to transportation
• Nearby shopping
• Availability of health and supportive services
• Saftey and security
• Opportunities for engagement

Following are some online resources about various aspects of livable communities.

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Livable Communities Web site
http://www.n4a.org/programs/livable-communities/

 AARP Public Policy Institute
Planning Complete Streets for an Aging America
http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/2009_02_streets.pdf

NORC Blueprint:  A Guide to Community Action
 http://www.norcblueprint.org/

Aging Well Magazine
Aging in America's Suburbs:  A Changing Population
http://www.agingwellmag.com/news/ex_06309_01.shtml

Aging in Place:  Livable Communities Present a Viable Option
http://www.asaging.org/asav2/conf/jc/jc08/presenters/posterfiles/griffin.pdf