The Eight Domains of Livability
The World Health Organization (WHO) established a framework that outlines the core characteristics of an age-friendly community. These eight interconnected domains serve as a blueprint for identifying barriers and creating opportunities to enhance the well-being and participation of older people, while also benefiting residents of all generations.
Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
This domain focuses on creating public areas that are pleasant, clean, and safe for everyone. An age-friendly community provides sufficient seating, well-maintained sidewalks free of obstructions, and plenty of green spaces for relaxation and physical activity. Buildings are accessible, with ramps, clear signage, and adequate lighting, ensuring that people with mobility challenges can navigate them with ease.
Transportation
Accessible and affordable transportation is crucial for maintaining independence and social connections. Age-friendly communities offer a range of options, including reliable public transport with accommodations for seniors, such as priority seating and drivers who wait for passengers to be seated. Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, like safe crosswalks with appropriate timing and well-lit roads, is also a key feature.
Housing
Affordable and adaptable housing is fundamental to allowing older adults to “age in place”. This includes providing a variety of housing options, such as accessory dwelling units, and offering affordable home maintenance and modification services. Housing is typically located near services, minimizing the need for extensive travel.
Social Participation
Opportunities for social engagement are vital for preventing isolation and loneliness. Age-friendly communities organize a wide variety of social events and recreational activities that appeal to diverse interests and age groups. Special attention is paid to making these activities affordable and accessible, ensuring all residents can participate fully.
Respect and Social Inclusion
This domain focuses on fostering a culture that respects older adults and values their contributions. It involves combating ageism and promoting intergenerational activities that allow for mutual enrichment. In an age-friendly community, older people are viewed as valuable assets, not burdens.
Civic Participation and Employment
Age-friendly communities recognize that many older adults wish to remain active in the workforce or volunteer. This includes promoting non-discriminatory employment practices, offering flexible work arrangements, and creating a variety of paid and volunteer opportunities. Older adults are also encouraged to participate in community decision-making bodies.
Communication and Information
Providing accessible, easy-to-understand information is essential. This means communication channels are varied—from print with large lettering to clear spoken instructions over the phone. Public access to computers and the internet is also made available to ensure all residents can stay informed and connected.
Community Support and Health Services
Reliable and well-coordinated health and social services are critical. These include access to preventative care, wellness programs, home care, and support for caregivers. The services are conveniently located and easy to access, with minimal administrative complexity.
Comparison: Age-Friendly vs. Traditional Communities
| Feature | Age-Friendly Community | Traditional Community |
|---|---|---|
| Public Spaces | Features benches, green spaces, well-maintained sidewalks, and good lighting for safety and accessibility. | May lack rest areas, have uneven or narrow sidewalks, and poor lighting, creating fall risks. |
| Transportation | Offers accessible and affordable public transit, rideshares, and safe pedestrian pathways. | Often car-dependent with limited public transit, isolating non-drivers. |
| Housing | Diverse, affordable, and adaptable options for aging in place, often located near services. | Limited housing types, often require expensive modifications, can be far from essential services. |
| Social Life | Promotes intergenerational activities and volunteerism, fostering broad social inclusion. | Can be less inclusive, leading to social isolation and loneliness among older adults. |
| Communication | Uses clear, large-print signage and provides information in multiple, accessible formats. | Often relies on digital-only or small-print formats that may exclude some residents. |
The Broader Community Impact
Creating an age-friendly community isn't just a gesture of good will; it's a strategic investment that benefits the entire population. When sidewalks are level and benches are plentiful, it helps not only older people but also parents with strollers and individuals with temporary disabilities. Improved public transit benefits young people and those who cannot drive, reducing traffic and pollution for everyone. The social cohesion and enhanced health outcomes that result from these initiatives contribute to a more vibrant and resilient community. By recognizing and integrating the skills of older adults, communities also gain a valuable workforce and a robust volunteer base.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has also become a leader in this movement, helping to foster a network of age-friendly cities in the United States that are committed to this model of community development. For more information on the principles guiding this global movement, you can explore the resources provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), which initiated the concept of age-friendly cities. Explore the WHO guide.
The Path to an Age-Friendly Future
The move towards age-friendly communities represents a forward-thinking approach to urban and rural planning. By addressing the needs of older adults across the eight domains of livability, communities create a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment for all residents. These characteristics are not luxuries but necessary components for a future where people can live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives. The commitment to this model ensures that communities remain dynamic and welcoming from childhood through the golden years.
