In a recent study, Livable Community Indicators for Sustainable Aging in Place, MetLife Mature Market Institute and the Stanford Center on Longevity identified 7 characteristics of housing communities that will allow older adults to age in place.
- Accessible and affordable housing: Zoning laws should permit flexible housing arrangements, including assisted-living facilities or private homes on relative small lots.
- Convenient transportation systems: Communities with mass transit and senior transport programs, walkable communities with easy access to nearby parks, recreation and neighborhood amenities, and roads with visible signage and adequate lighting are safer and more convenient for mature residents.
- Neighborhood safety: Areas with low crime rates and emergency preparedness plans that accommodate the needs of older residents are more appealing.
- Health care: Communities should provide access to doctors, hospitals and preventive health care programs aimed at older residents.
- Supportive services: Community based caregiving services, home health care, meals on wheels and adult day care should be available to older residents.
- Goods, services & amenities: Retail shops, restaurants and grocery stores should be within easy walking distance of the housing community.
- Social integration: Programs and organizations should promote social activities and intergenerational contact for older adults. Libraries, museums, colleges and universities, and places of worship are often underutilized resources.
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