AARP Eye Center
Livability means different things to different people — but basically, it means an environment that supports people of all ages, abilities, and income levels.
A livable community has amenities and services in place that help people thrive – including housing, transportation, healthcare, a safe environment and opportunities for civic engagement and social connection.
AARP South Dakota is working to ensure communities across the state offer great places to live, work and play. And, we’re working to empower people to choose how they want to live as they age.
AARP South Dakota’s vision is to be a leader in areas such as:
- Livable Communities: we work to strengthen current age-friendly communities and build our advocacy network across the state. Our focus continues to be digital literacy, food insecurity, age-friendly planning efforts and maintaining AARP as a leader in rural livability.
- Financial Security: we provide education and advocacy in areas like retirement, Social Security, Medicare and fraud prevention.
- Family Caregivers: we offer education, outreach and advocacy through strong legislative policy, statewide outreach campaigns and key partnerships to support South Dakota’s family caregivers.
A Focus on Walkability
In too many communities, people can’t safely walk to where they need or want to go due to a lack of sidewalks, crosswalks or other safety features that make streets safe for pedestrians and drivers. In addition, many communities also do not have safety features in place on streets and paths for all users, including cyclists.
Anyone can download and use these free tools to assess and report on the safety of a street, intersection or neighborhood for walking and biking. The results of a community walk audit or bike audit can educate local decision-makers and provide them with the needed data, solutions and strategies for achieving change to build a more livable community.
Benefits of creating a transportation network that is inclusive of all modes and all abilities:
- pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets.
- identify community infrastructure needs.
- reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
- increase exercise opportunities for people of all ages.
- encourage social interactions among neighbors.
- enable people to get around without having to drive.
- boost to property values
- empower community leaders and residents to be the agents of needed change.
View a sample walk audit report.
Community Challenge Grants: Livability at the Local Level
AARP has offered Community Challenge Grants since 2017 to fund quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. Here in SouthDakota, more than $414,000 in grants have been awarded to 40 nonprofit organizations and local government entities since the program began.
Read our report highlighting South Dakota Community Challenge grantees.
Get Involved
Everyone has a role to play in building communities where South Dakotans can thrive – whether you are an elected official, policymaker or fellow advocate. Understanding the issues important to people 50-plus and their families can make our communities better for people of all ages.Join our advocacy network! Get updates on what’s happening at the state and local level. You can also become a mobile advocate. Simply text JOINSD to 22777.
Stay Connected with AARP South Dakota. Discover more events and opportunities to engage with us – and with your community - by visiting aarp.org/local.
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About AARP South Dakota
Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.