ElderWeb

The AARP has published 118-page book by Patricia Baron Pollak of Cornell University on "Liveable Communities." It provides residents, organizations, and local governments with a tool to assess a community's "liveability." Numerous studies confirm that as people age, they want to remain in their home communities. However, these same studies also show that people often find "aging in place" difficult because the available services and physical environment of the community are not able to accommodate their particular needs. Using information derived from surveys of older people's concerns about their communities, the Guide focuses on eight areas: public transportation; driving; walking; housing; shopping; and municipal features, services, and leisure facilities. The guide is designed for individuals, organizations, and public officials to use as they look at the need to develop local community services that will support the ability of older people to continue to live independently.