There has been a wave of initiatives across the country to support older Americans’ desire to stay in their own homes and communities as they age. Age-friendly communities support multigenerational homes and intergenerational living environments. Policies, services and structures, related to the physical and social environment of aging-friendly communities, are designed to help seniors “age actively.” These communities are specifically designed to help seniors live safely, remain healthy, and stay active and involved.
Framework to Create Aging-Friendly Communities
Grant Makers in Aging, in collaboration with the Pfizer Foundation, has published an online primer that offers a framework to create age-friendly communities. It suggests that an ideal framework for an aging-friendly community may feature the following aspects:
- Municipal and regional planning that provides opportunities for input of older adults
- Housing and other building design that is affordable, adaptive/accessible, and provides multigenerational options
- Social services and community/based programs that offer including nutrition programs, adult day programs, and caregiver support
- Transportation infrastructure and programs that provide multi-modal options, promote walkability, and provide accessible features for older adults
- Health promotion and community-supported services/programs that enhance the physical health and wellbeing of senior citizens
- Civic engagement opportunities, including intergenerational initiatives and volunteerism
- Efforts to promote access to information and new technology
National Models
Several national aging-friendly community models have emerged, which may be appropriate for
- Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs)
- The Village Model
- Cohousing
- Cottage Communities
- Accessory Dwelling Units
- Community Partnerships
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