Simple and Low Cost Ways for Communities to Assess Their Livability and “Aging in Place” Status
How Small Towns, Big Cities and States Can Assist Their
Populations and Address Their Changing Demographics
Communities in the U.S. can follow a relatively simple and low cost
initial set of indicators to determine if their services meet the needs
of an aging population. These indicators can be measured using
information that is readily available and adaptable to local
governments, providing a low-cost way for local governments to begin to
examine the specific needs of their aging populations.
According to the study, Livable
Community Indicators for Sustainable Aging in Place, from the
MetLife Mature Market Institute and the Stanford Center on Longevity,
the best communities for people transitioning into the older age group
are those that offer accessible and affordable housing options,
transportation, walkability, safe neighborhoods, emergency preparedness
and support services like health care, retail outlets and social
integration. The study was produced as a follow-up to the Mature Market
Institute’s previous work in this area, Aging
in Place 2.0, the Aging
in Place Workbook and Housing
Trends Update for the 55+ Market (with the National Association
of Home Builders [NAHB]).
“We know people generally prefer to remain where they are as they age,
connected to friends and family, and communities lose an economic and
social asset when older people leave,” said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D.,
director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. “With that in mind, we
supported the development of these indicators by studying the best
existing tools and data. Communities can now make assessments and begin
to implement change with readily available public data.”
According to Amanda Lehning, who collaborated with the Stanford Center
on Longevity on this report, “Every community is unique. Local
governments should think about how to adapt these indicators to best
meet the needs of their residents. Efforts to help older adults age in
place can also potentially improve the community as a whole. For
example, older adults can make valuable contributions as neighbors,
caregivers and volunteers. They also patronize local businesses and are
a factor in tax revenues.”
Here are the most critical characteristics of an age-friendly livable
community:
Housing – Accessible/visitable housing that is affordable. Zoning
laws that permit flexible housing arrangements such as building assisted
living facilities or private homes on relatively small lots.
Transportation – This includes mass transit, senior transport
programs, walkable neighborhoods (safe for pedestrians), nearby parks
and recreation, roads with visible signage, adequate lighting, and
adequate vehicle and pedestrian safety at intersections.
Safe Neighborhoods – Low crime rates and emergency preparedness
plans that take the needs of older residents into account.
Health Care – An adequate number of doctors (primary care and
specialists), hospitals and the presence of preventive health care
programs.
Supportive Services – The presence of home and community-based
caregiving support services and the availability of home health care,
meals-on-wheels and adult day care.
Goods, Services and Amenities – Retail outlets within walking
distance, restaurants and grocery stores offering healthy foods, and
policies supportive of local farmers’ markets.
Social Integration – Programs and organizations that promote
social activities and intergenerational contact. Places of worship,
libraries, museums, colleges and universities are often underutilized
resources.
The study provides detailed information about these indicators and how
best to use them.
Methodology
The indicator system in the report was developed using three sources of
information: 1) A review of existing livable community and
sustainability indicator systems and checklists, 2) An extensive review
of the existing research literature on the community characteristics
that impact elder health, well-being, and the ability to age in place,
and 3) Interviews with 19 aging in place experts. The final list is
based on: 1) Strength of research evidence that the indicator is
critical, 2) Strength of support for the indicator by aging in place
experts, 3) Ability to measure the indicator using existing data
sources, 4) The potential for multiple benefits, such as for the
economic and environmental health of the community, and 5) The degree of
adaptability to different types of communities, urban, suburban and
rural.
Stanford Center on Longevity
The mission of the Stanford Center on Longevity is to redesign long
life. The Center studies the nature and development of the human life
span, looking for innovative ways to use science and technology to solve
the problems of people over 50 in order to improve the well-being of
people of all ages. http://longevity.stanford.edu
The MetLife Mature Market Institute®
Now in its 16th year, the MetLife Mature Market Institute is
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company's (MetLife) center of expertise in
aging, longevity and the generations and is a recognized thought leader
by business, the media, opinion leaders and the public. The Institute's
groundbreaking research, insights, strategic partnerships and consumer
education expand the knowledge and choices for those in, approaching or
working with the mature market.
The Institute supports MetLife's long-standing commitment to identifying
emerging issues and innovative solutions for the challenges of life.
MetLife, Inc. is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and
employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its
subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in
the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle
East. For more information, please visit: www.MatureMarketInstitute.com.
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