The external environment has a major impact on the mobility, independence and quality of life of people as they go about their daily lives. Well-maintained recreational areas, ample spots to rest, well-developed and safe pedestrian and building infrastructure, easy access to public spaces, and a secure environment all help provide an ideal community for all people.

Additional Resources

• AARP Livable's Creating parks and public spaces for Ppeople of all ages guide

• 880 Cities and AARP. Winter placemaking guide

Accessible and affordable options are key to ensuring that all residents are able to be active and remain engaged. Heavy traffic, poor road conditions, insufficient  lighting, poorly positioned signage, and inadequate parking facilities are areas of concern that many lifelong communities work to improve.

Additional Resources

• AARP Livable, Bike Audit Toolkit

• AARP Livable, Walk Audit Toolkit

• AARP's Roadmap to Livability Transportation workbook

• American Trails Webinar, Outdoors for All

• Bicycle Coalition of Maine's "Imagine People Here" campaign

• Maine DOT Complete Streets policy

A strong community will ensure that information on policies, events, and issues reach all residents in a timely, effective, and accessible manner.  It's critical to remember that no all residents will be familiar with or have access to high-speed communications networks, and those individuals with visual or hearing challenges many have special needs for accessing information, as well.

Additional Resource

• AARP and Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Exploring digital equity series

• National DIgital Equity Center

Lifelong communities provide all citizens with ample opportunities for volunteer or paid employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, lifelong learning, and political engagement.

Additional Resources:

• AARP. Volunteers help make communitiesmore livable

• AARP. Creating "age-friendly" businesses

• Community Toolbox. Getting issues on the public agenda

Negative perceptions of aging still exist, even in the most forward-thinking communities.  Lifelong communities have critical roles to play in raising awareness of aging and associated issues, involving older residents in decisions that affect them, and facilitating intergenerational engagement.  They strive to recognize and eliminate ageist attitudes and policies that have a negative effect on residents.

Additional Resources:

• AARP. Seven ways to build bonds across generations

• AARP.  Teaching teens to sew

• AARP International. Let's Go: Steps for engaging older people and making the community better for all ages.

Accessible and affordable health services are crucial in keeping all citizens healthy, independent, and active.  In addition to encouraging the delivery of a range of services, from preventive care to residential care to end-of-life support, lifelong communities can develop outreach programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles.

Additional Resource:

• AARP's Roadmap to Livability: Health Services and Community Supports Workbook

Participating in intergenerational leisure, social, cultural, and faith-based activities in the community helps residents stay engaged and informed.  Lifelong communities have a role to play in planning events, ensuring accessible facilities and transportation, and creating awareness of opportunities for social participation.

Additional Resources:

• AARP. US men are gathering in Aussie-style "sheds"

• WHO. Reducing social isolation and loneliness among older people

Quality housing and quality of life are often linked.  The ability to establish roots - affordably, independently, and safely - is often a significant goal for individuals, couples, and families alike.  In addition to advocating for better housing policy and options, lifelong communities can also help with home modification programs, volunteer handy-helper services, and assistance with connecting residents to programs that help with energy and other costs. 

Additional Resources:

• AARP's Making Room: Housing for a Changing America booklet

• AARP HomeFit Guide to making homes comfortable, safe, and a great fit for people of all ages