Age-Friendly Communities

What is an age-friendly Community?

A livable community is a great place to grow up and grow old. A livable community encourages the integration of community development, infrastructure development and services. Its leaders recognize the needs and preferences of older adults and ensure that the community provides affordable and appropriate housing opportunities, adequate transportation and mobility options, and supportive community features and services.  And a livable community values people throughout their lifespan, supports individuals’ personal independence while recognizing their interdependence, and facilitates their engagement in civic and social life.

Age-Friendly communities have several distinguishing characteristics:

• Quality housing: A variety of options that are accessible, affordable, and adaptable.
• Mobility options: Multiple safe and accessible alternatives for getting from one place to another.
• High levels of social engagement and activity: Services, retail and green spaces within walking distance of housing, creating destination spots and opportunities for healthy lifestyles and social interaction.
• Easy access to information and resources: Readily available and easily navigable information about services and activities, and resources for taking utilizing them.
• Active community Involvement: Opportunities for social engagement, employment and volunteer and civic participation.
• Respect and social inclusion: Positive community attitudes about people of all ages (i.e., recognizing the valuable roles that people across their lifespan can play in society).