Since 2004, AARP has promoted the creation of livable communities for all ages, and the coordination of land use, housing, and transportation plans and policies. Making communities more livable is a goal that every urban, suburban, and rural community can adopt. Achieving this goal requires reflecting the needs of the entire community, including older adults, in the plans and policies that government adopts and implements. Coordinated policy decisions can better address the realities of transportation and housing costs and create more efficient communities. For example, policies such as transit-oriented development (TOD), a strategy primarily for urban and suburban areas that encourages compact development and a mix of land uses located within a half-mile of a public transit station, can provide many benefits for community members. Among the potential benefits of TOD are expanded transportation and housing options, improved access to community amenities and se rvices, and increased opportunities for community engagement. Additionally, TOD communities create walkable environments that can provide more opportunities for exercise and healthy behaviors.

Maximizing these benefits requires a focus on equity, so that the needs of all in the community are considered. Equitable TOD seeks to develop healthier, more affordable neighborhoods that offer convenient and safe access to jobs, stores, schools, and services; expand transportation options connecting regional areas and economies; and ensure that all people regardless of age, income, race, and ability, can participate in development decisions and share in the benefits. Similarly, small towns can benefit from mixed-use, walkable development on a smaller scale where community amenities and services, transportation and people are closely connected. Successful mixed-use development and TOD require coordinating several government functions, and working with the local community, including the private sector.

To view a video, produced by AARP’s Public Policy Institute in collaboration with Streetfilms, on TOD and the mobility of older adults in Arlington, Virginia please visit the AARP Public Policy Institute’s Livable Communities website: http://www.aarp.org/videos.id=1556940949001/.