8 Domains Livability
AARP's 8 Domains of Livability is a framework used by age-friendly communities to organize and prioritize the needs and potential actions to support aging in place and age-friendly environments for older adults and people of all ages. These domains include outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community and health services. Continue below to read brief overviews of each domain.
Community & Health Services
Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
Regardless of person's age or ability, everyone should have safe, convenient, and equitable access to outdoor green spaces and public buildings. For older adults, access to these types of amenities can be expanded by implementing accessible parking, ramps, directional signage, elevators, and zero-step entrances.
Housing
Aging in place starts at home. For those that choose to age in their current home, access to affordable and trustworthy home improvement options will ensure a home remains “age-proof” as people age. Providing a variety of affordable and accessible housing options for those that choose or need alternative housing, will allow older adults to remain comfortably within their communities.
Respect & Social Inclusion
In addition to social participation, respect and social inclusion builds upon access to intergenerational social platforms where older adults may engage with youth and young adults. This may take on many forms including, community events, continued education, and volunteerism, among others.
Transportation
Transportation is the backbone of older adult access to community and health services, social gatherings and events, jobs, continued education, and outdoor spaces, among others. This means that public and active transportation modes need to be accessible, affordable, connected, and convenient.
Social Participation
Social participation and engagement of older adults in community groups and activities, or senior center activities or gatherings, support continued social interaction and combats isolation.
Civic Participation & Employment
Continued civic engagement can take many forms including providing volunteer or paid municipal and committee positions, or by providing work-off programs that contribute toward property tax, among others. These programs provide older adults opportunities to engage with local government and provide their perspective in future planning and development of their communities.
Communication & Information
As technology advances and resources become more accessible online, it is important to educate and reinforce new technologies to ensure older adults continue to have access to information and resources. It is equally important to ensure older adults have access to new or improved technologies.
Local, convenient, and affordable community and health services are essential as people age. Providing varying levels of service, such as in-home care, rehabilitation, and local providers, ensures that services remain accessible throughout different stages of life and older adulthood.