Livable Communities

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The vast majority of people age 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. That's why AARP's Livable Communities work encourages communities to welcome housing options and develop homes that are accessible to residents and guests of all ages and abilities. Across the United States, however, there is a mismatch between the available housing stock and what the market wants and needs. This is partly due to shifting demographics, such as a rapidly aging population and shrinking household sizes, and partly due to the growing demand for walkable living.

Por Christina Hernandez Sherwood

By Christina Hernandez Sherwood

AARP New Jersey endorses the efforts of cities, towns, and localities to make every community a great place to live for people of all ages. This includes providing safe, walkable streets; age friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to be active members of their communities. Once in place, these resources enhance personal independence, allow residents to age in place, and foster residents' engagement in the community's civic, economic, and social life.

Is your community a place you would consider age-friendly? An age-friendly community is a place that has safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. This year several New Jersey communities took on the challenge of incorporating Age-Friendly initiatives into their community plans and joined the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities.

AARP New Jersey is putting more green space in the Garden State. To advance its livable-community goals, AARP gave grants to two Community Challenge projects in New Jersey.

By Aliya S. King

Por Aliya S. King