The purpose of this report is to articulate a vision of livable communities for persons of all ages, and particularly for people age 50 and older. Specifically, it: (1) explores how people age 50 and older can continue to be independent and able to exercise choice and control in ways that are beneficial to and affordable for them and society; (2) demonstrates the connections among community engagement, housing, transportation (driving and public transit), and successful aging; (3) highlights the consequences of community features that fail to account for the diversity of, and continual change in, residents' needs; and (4) illustrates how persons age 50 and older contribute to, and benefit from, well-designed communities that promote community engagement. The report concludes with six major recommendations for social change, followed by a set of policy implications that can help the nation move toward the goal of livable communities for persons of all ages and abilities.
Abstract