Concepts

Successful Aging |  Aging In Place | Livable Communities

Introduction

• Aging is not just a health care issue, but a question of quality of life and livability
• Age should not be a barrier to safety and enjoyment
• Aging is a transaction between the individual and society
• Universal design leads to an “ageless” community
• Universal/inclusive zoning and housing design are critical to livable communities
• Community growth and change must be continuously planned

Rural areas are aging in the context of a society that is aging as a whole.  With a little planning, the issues faced by rural residents will be no more daunting than the challenges we have already faced over the past century.  The society that faced the birth of the Baby Boom generation and adjusted to large numbers of children moving through schools, the labor force, housing, product and financial markets is likely to face the challenge of aging equally as well. The adjustment will be easier if we face them in a rational manner, and understand the realities, not the myths, of aging. 

Successful Aging

Livable communities promote what is known as “successful aging,” or the ability to stay healthy, active, and fully participating as long as possible.  Successful aging is more than simply a matter of health or disability. It comprises what people actually do and their satisfaction with life.  It is also affected by society’s attitudes toward aging and a community’s willingness to be inclusive for all of its members.  While individual behavior plays a role in how people age, active community planning is a critical component of successful aging, playing a major role in determining the rapidity and quality of aging processes.  Planning for successful aging entails encouraging healthful behaviors, but it must also encourage healthy social settings. 

Aging in Place

Aging in place is the ability to age successfully, to grow up, mature and grow old as a viable member of your community in a residential setting of your choice. Only 5% of Americans over 65 live in institutions, and most now want to age in their own homes and communities. 

Livable Communities

A livable community is one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options, which together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life.  Livable communities have three essential features:  affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options.  These qualities together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life.