Age Friendly Communities focus on enhancing 8 Domains of Livability:

1. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings – indoor / outdoor gathering areas; green spaces; safe streets and walkable sidewalks; accessible buildings with railings and ramps
2. Transportation – alternatives to driving: public transit options; targeted taxi service
3. Housing – dwellings designed or modified for aging in place; affordable options
4. Social Participation – accessible, affordable activities to combat isolation
5. Respect & Social Inclusion – intergenerational initiatives that enrich both parties
6. Work & Civic Engagement – paid and volunteer opportunities promoting community involvement
7. Communication & Information – employing both traditional and modern methods to get the word out
8. Community & Health Services – medical intervention when needed, or simply a neighborly helping hand

We're getting older.

• One in three Americans are now over 50 years old.
• By 2030, one in five of us will be at least 65 years old.

Are we ready?

The AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities provides a roadmap to help ensure that we are. It encourages states, cities, towns and counties to proactively meet the needs of our rapidly-aging population.

By supporting aging in place whenever possible, versus costly institutional care, these communities are better equipped to become exceptional places to live and work—for all ages.

We're living longer.

• Average life expectancy in the U.S. now stands at 78.8 years.

As we add more years to our lives, Age Friendly initiatives seek to add life to our years.

Sources for data cited: www.aarp.org | www.cdc.gov

Now that we have the necessary framework to put these age friendly initiatives into practice, community input is key. Based on resident survey results, we will formulate a detailed plan, then systematically roll out improvements as an ongoing process. The overarching goal is to keep older adults at home and engaged in their communities for as long as possible. The more we can do that, the more we all win.

• Bob Sinacore
• Michael Burgess