U.S. Communities Enhance Livability for Aging Populations

The aging population in the United States presents both challenges and opportunities for community development. Recent research from Cornell University indicates that many U.S. communities are making strides toward becoming more livable for older adults. By analyzing data from nearly 650 counties, cities, and towns involved in the AARP Livability Index over the past decade, researchers found significant progress in areas such as transportation, housing, and civic engagement.

The study, co-authored by Mildred Warner, a professor of global development, and Xue Zhang, an assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University, shows that while communities participating in the index have improved their livability, approximately 31,000 other locations outside AARP’s network also made enhancements, albeit to a lesser extent. The findings highlight the potential for building environments that support aging in place.

Warner emphasized, “So many view aging as a crisis – but this is not, ‘Woe is me, we’re aging and society is going to fall apart.’ This is an opportunity to create more livable communities.” The researchers presented their findings at two conferences and submitted their study for journal publication, indicating the rigorous review it has undergone.

Positive Trends in Aging Communities

Launched in 2015, the AARP Livability Index aims to encourage communities to adopt policies that benefit older Americans. The index evaluates over 61 indicators across seven domains, including health, neighborhood, housing, transportation, opportunity, civic engagement, and environment. It measures various factors, from housing costs to opportunities for social engagement.

Among the 646 communities in ten states that were participants in both 2015 and 2024, the study found that approximately 70% improved their overall livability scores. Those communities that joined the network became more engaged and offered greater opportunities for residents, which contributed to their economic growth.

Urban areas generally led advancements in creating age-friendly environments. Nonetheless, challenges persist, particularly regarding housing affordability. As livable spaces become more desirable, housing prices tend to rise, putting pressure on lower-income residents. The researchers noted that rural communities, which often have higher concentrations of older adults, lag behind urban counterparts, possibly due to the indicators tracked being more urban-centric.

Addressing Challenges and Opportunities

Warner and Zhang pointed out the necessity to identify effective practices for rural and small communities to become age-friendly. “With an aging society, this is imperative,” they stated. The research suggests that many improvements can be made at the individual and local levels, such as implementing zero-step home entries, enhancing public transit systems, and revising zoning laws to facilitate housing development.

While physical changes to communities can be costly and time-consuming, the study found that civic engagement can often be achieved more quickly and affordably. Warner noted that proactive community planning, which involves listening to residents’ needs, not only fosters innovation but also enhances civic participation. Increased civic engagement leads to higher voting rates and stronger community ties.

“We have the power to create communities that are livable for all, and it’s time to move beyond a singular focus on economic productivity and focus more on community well-being,” Warner stated. The research underscores that age-friendly communities can enhance livability for everyone, not just older adults.

The findings contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the importance of creating supportive environments for aging populations, highlighting the role of community planning in improving quality of life. The research received support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will be further discussed in an AARP webinar titled “Toward More Livable Communities: The 2025 AARP Livability Index Reveal” on December 9, 2024, at 15:00.