Origins and Purpose
Established in 2012, the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities serves as the U.S. affiliate of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. The program was created to help communities prepare for the nation's aging population by focusing on policies and improvements that promote healthy and active aging. The core belief is that by designing communities with older adults in mind, the quality of life is enhanced for people of all ages. The initiative's purpose is to act as a catalyst, encouraging and recognizing improvements that make communities more livable for everyone.
The Role of AARP
AARP plays a crucial role in facilitating and supporting communities throughout the age-friendly process. It provides member localities with essential resources, technical assistance, and access to national and global research and best practices. AARP also helps local leaders, elected officials, and residents identify areas for improvement and serves as a clearinghouse for best practices and peer-to-peer learning. Through its advocacy and engagement efforts, AARP ensures that the voices of older residents are heard and that age-friendly considerations are integrated into local and state planning processes.
The Eight Domains of Livability
The framework for the AARP Age-Friendly Community Initiative is based on the World Health Organization's Eight Domains of Livability. These domains cover the key aspects of community life that influence the health, well-being, and social participation of residents, particularly older adults. Each domain focuses on a specific area where improvements can be made to better serve the needs of a diverse population.
A Deeper Look into the Domains
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: This domain addresses the need for accessible and safe public spaces, such as parks with seating, and buildings with features like zero-step entrances and elevators that can be used by people of all ages and abilities.
- Transportation: An age-friendly community provides reliable and affordable transportation options beyond just private cars, including accessible public transit, bike lanes, and walkable sidewalks.
- Housing: The goal is to ensure a variety of housing options suitable for different incomes and life stages, promoting aging in place through home modifications and universal design principles.
- Social Participation: Combating social isolation and loneliness is key. This domain focuses on providing accessible, affordable, and engaging social activities and events for residents.
- Respect and Social Inclusion: This involves fostering a culture that values the contributions of older people and encourages intergenerational activities that bring different age groups together.
- Civic Participation and Employment: Age-friendly communities provide opportunities for older adults to remain actively engaged, whether through paid employment, volunteering, or civic leadership roles.
- Communication and Information: Ensuring that information is accessible to everyone, regardless of their technological literacy, is crucial. This involves using various communication channels, not just online methods.
- Community and Health Services: This domain focuses on the availability and accessibility of health services and long-term care, as well as community-based support programs that enable residents to get the help they need.
The Five-Year Cycle for Improvement
Communities that join the AARP Age-Friendly Network commit to a five-year, continuous improvement cycle. This structured process ensures that change is not a one-time event but an ongoing effort based on resident feedback and data. The cycle is a cornerstone of the initiative, guiding communities from assessment to implementation and evaluation.
Here is a breakdown of the typical 5-year process for a community:
| Year | Phase | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Needs Assessment and Community Engagement | Conduct baseline surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions to understand the needs and concerns of residents, especially older adults. |
| 2 | Action Plan Development | Based on the assessment, create a comprehensive 3-year action plan with specific goals, strategies, and indicators for monitoring progress. |
| 3 | Implementation (Year 1) | Begin implementing the initiatives and strategies outlined in the action plan. This involves working with various community partners. |
| 4 | Implementation (Year 2) | Continue to execute the action plan, making adjustments as needed based on early feedback and monitoring. |
| 5 | Evaluation and Reporting | Assess the impact of the implemented plan, produce progress reports, and share successes and lessons with the broader network. |
Benefits of Participating
- Improved Quality of Life: Age-friendly communities lead to healthier, happier residents of all ages through better public spaces, housing, and social engagement.
- Catalyst for Policy Change: 73% of member communities have achieved policy changes by integrating age-friendly considerations into their planning.
- Combatting Social Isolation: The initiative helps create programs and opportunities that increase social participation and reduce loneliness, a significant health risk for older adults.
- Access to Resources and Funding: Membership provides access to technical assistance, best practices from AARP, and potential funding opportunities, such as the AARP Community Challenge grants.
- Economic Growth: Well-designed, livable communities foster economic growth and attract people of all ages, helping communities thrive.
Impact on the Community
The impact of the AARP Age-Friendly Community Initiative extends beyond a specific population segment. By focusing on fundamental areas like transportation and housing, the program creates a more resilient and inclusive environment for everyone. For example, safe, walkable streets with proper seating and lighting benefit children, parents with strollers, and people with disabilities, in addition to older residents.
Furthermore, the collaborative, multi-sectoral approach fosters stronger relationships between government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and residents. This partnership-driven model ensures that solutions are comprehensive and sustainable, reflecting the unique character and needs of each community. The emphasis on civic participation also empowers residents to take a more active role in shaping their local environment, ensuring that the changes reflect what the community truly wants.
Conclusion
The AARP Age-Friendly Community Initiative is a transformative program that helps communities across the U.S. proactively address the needs of their aging populations. By adopting a structured, multi-year process based on the WHO's eight domains of livability, localities can implement meaningful policy changes and physical improvements. This initiative proves that creating better places to grow old results in more vibrant, healthy, and inclusive communities for people of all ages. The continuous cycle of assessment, planning, and evaluation ensures that communities remain responsive and adaptable, solidifying a lasting commitment to livability for generations to come. For more information, communities can consult the AARP's livable communities website.
