Following on research findings produced a year ago, AARP announced the release of its Livability Index earlier this week at the APA National Planning Conference.
"In an effort to help planning committees and consumers, alike, create more age-friendly communities, AARP announced this week the launch of its new Livability Index," reports Emily Study.
"The tool allows users to search specific geographic areas to determine the location’s livability with respect to seven categories: housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement and opportunity." The categories are comprised by 50 measures, scored on a level from 0 to 100, with the average score set at 50.
The index follows on a study released in April 2014 by AARP, which found that aging Americans increasingly want to age in place. As explained by Study, the AARP is using last year's research and the new Livability Index as an advocacy effort in support of the infrastructure, planning, and urban design investments that can support healthy lifestyles for older populations as they age in place:
"The Livability Index is part of AARP’s broader initiative to create a nationwide network of age-friendly communities — a model that champions older residents’ needs and requires mayors and city councils to commit to developing a plan centered around criteria similar to that in the Index: health, transportation, housing, outdoor space, social participation, social inclusion, civic engagement and communication."
FULL STORY: AARP Launches Livability Index With Aging Americans in Mind
What the Livability Index Shows About Housing
A new report highlights inequalities in accessibility and affordability.
New AARP Study Finds Older Americans Redefining 'Livable'
"People in the United States are getting older. But increasingly, they don't want to live in some old folks' community," writes Sarah Goodyear. As the number of Americans over 65 grows, concepts like aging in place are gaining new pertinence.
Insights From the Latest Livability Index
The latest edition of the AARP Livability Index reveals the U.S. regions with more of the kinds of neighborhoods that offer quality of life benefits for residents of all ages.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Renters Now Outnumber Homeowners in Over 200 US Suburbs
High housing costs in city centers and the new-found flexibility offered by remote work are pushing more renters to suburban areas.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Supreme Court Ruling in Pipeline Case Guts Federal Environmental Law
The decision limits the scope of a federal law that mandates extensive environmental impact reviews of energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)