AARP Policy Fundamentals: Livable Communities

Livable Communities

Policy Fundamentals For Livable Communities

People of all ages and ability levels need communities where they can thrive and lead meaningful lives Communities should be designed to promote physical independence dignity and opportunities for community engagement and choice as people age

Livable communities are compact and walkable, with housing, stores, community features and services all located near one another. Key features include safe, walkable streets and age-friendly, affordable housing and transportation options. Residents can easily access needed services. Community amenities such as parks, libraries and civic gathering spaces enhance opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. Livable communities require careful planning concerning housing, transportation and land use. Policymakers should encourage the creation of mixed-use communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive. Land use and zoning decisions should support the needs of all residents, including those with limited mobility and low incomes. Residents should enjoy easy access to amenities without having to drive.

Policymakers should create communities that allow people of varying income levels to live there. Wealthier communities in particular should build more subsidized housing for people with low and moderate incomes. They should also work to increase the availability of affordable market-rate housing.

Universal design principles should be used to ensure that housing, transportation options and other community features are safe and accessible to as many people as possible. For example, buildings should have ramps, wide doors, elevators, and accessible kitchens and bathrooms to ensure access for people in wheelchairs. Similarly, transportation facilities can use ramps and elevators to enable such access. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.