AARP Livability Index™ data shows that Age Friendly Process works, says new Academic Study

 Building a more livable world for people of all ages is a marathon, not a sprint. For over a decade, the AARP Livable Communities team has worked to provide residents and local leaders with the data-driven tools necessary to spark real change. Now, new research confirms that these efforts are paying off.

(For the full version of this article, see my post on AARP's website: "Progress in Creating Livable Communities" released last week.)

A Decade of Data and Action

The AARP Livability Index™ platform was launched ten years ago to score neighborhoods across seven key categories: housing, transportation, neighborhood, health, environment, engagement, and opportunity. In tandem, the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities has grown to over 1,000 members, each committed to a rigorous process of planning and assessing community improvements.

A recent study by researchers from Penn State and Cornell University analyzed data from 646 network communities between 2015 and 2024. The results were highly encouraging: 70% of these communities saw an increase in their overall livability score.

Where Progress is Happening

The most significant gains occurred in areas where local leaders and residents have the most direct influence:

• Engagement: This category saw the greatest improvement. By focusing on social inclusion and civic participation, age-friendly communities are making it easier for residents to stay connected.

• Neighborhood & Opportunity: Researchers found tangible improvements in safety, crime reduction, and access to essential services like grocery stores and parks.

• Inclusivity: The data suggests that as communities become more "age-friendly," they naturally become more inclusive for residents of all ages, aligning with better high school graduation rates and increased job proximity.

 

Navigating the Tough Challenges

While the study highlights a "collective win," it also illuminates the systemic hurdles that local efforts alone cannot fully solve. National trends—such as rising housing costs and shortages of healthcare workers—continue to put downward pressure on livability scores.

Housing (especially housing affordability) remains a particularly difficult frontier. It was the only category where scores declined across the board. However, many communities are fighting back by adopting zoning reforms to allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and "missing-middle" housing. While these policies take time to bear fruit, they are key building blocks for more housing supply, a broader variety of housing options, and a more affordable future.

The Path Forward

The takeaway is clear: Progress is possible when we plan, execute, and measure it. The communities that joined the AARP network and the multi-step process required by it outperformed those that did not in several key metrics. This evidence provides a powerful mandate for local officials and ordinary residents to step up and champion age-friendly policies.

As our society ages rapidly, the work of creating livable environments is more urgent than ever. Whether it’s advocating for safer streets or better transportation services, the data shows that local action creates a measurable ripple effect. By working together across all levels of government and community, we can ensure that our neighborhoods aren't just places where we live, but places where we can thrive at any age.