AARP Unveils 2023 AARP Livability Index™ platform
The National Housing Conference (NHC) teamed up with AARP yesterday to bring together experts and housing leaders to delve deep into the core aspects of creating vibrant and inclusive communities during the forum “Building Livable Communities for All Generations.”
Opening the forum, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman shared with attendees the work the Administration is doing to create communities that are safe, accessible, and inclusive for all ages and backgrounds. “Building livable communities is about making space for people to thrive,” Deputy Secretary Todman said. “Through building and maintaining affordable housing, improving internet connections, reducing healthcare costs, and investing in our infrastructure, the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in thriving communities and people like never before.”
As part of the event, the latest iteration of the AARP Livability Index™ platform was unveiled, the most comprehensive, web-based tool of its kind that scores every neighborhood and community in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the services and amenities that affect people’s lives the most as they age. Attendees were the first to hear about this year’s top performing communities and gained valuable insights into community livability.
The Livability Index data shows that most of the highest scoring communities lack affordable housing and accessibility options, underscoring the need for local leaders to implement policies that address rising housing costs, insufficient supply of housing options, and growing income inequality.
“Older adults overwhelmingly want to stay in their current homes and communities as they age, but most of society isn’t prepared to address the needs of a rapidly aging population,” said Rodney Harrell, PhD, AARP Vice President of Family, Home, and Community. “The AARP Livability Index shows that all communities have room to improve to ensure that residents of all ages are active, engaged, and supported, particularly when it comes to affordable housing options. Everyone has a role to play – from community members to researchers, to local advocates and policymakers – to help fill the gaps between what people want and need and what their communities provide, so more older adults can live independently.”
David M. Dworkin, NHC’s President and CEO, spoke about the complementary nature of the AARP Livability Index platform with NHC’s Paycheck to Paycheck database. “Affordability and livability are essential components of what makes our communities home,” said Dworkin. “The Paycheck to Paycheck database, which data was previously updated only on a quarterly basis, now offers an annual snapshot of housing affordability across the country through year over year data comparisons. This snapshot sheds light on the growing impact of rising housing costs on homebuyers and renters.”
Alongside HUD Deputy Secretary Todman and AARP’s unveiling of the 2023 AARP Livability Index platform, audience members engaged with experts and housing leaders who delved deep into the principles of livable communities, sharing innovative strategies and best practices that can transform neighborhoods, towns, and cities into thriving, inclusive spaces where everyone can flourish. The panelists further discussed the ever-evolving landscape of housing trends, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges individuals and families face in their quest for affordable and fulfilling living arrangements.
For further details about the event, please visit www.nhc.org/event/building-livable-communities-for-all-generations, where you can expect updates in the coming days, featuring event photos and videos.
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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/espanol/ or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
About the National Housing Conference
Founded in 1931, the National Housing Conference is the oldest and broadest housing coalition in America. NHC is a diverse continuum of affordable housing stakeholders who convene and collaborate through dialogue, advocacy, research, and education, to develop equitable solutions that serve our common interest—an America where everyone is able to live in a quality, affordable home in a thriving community. Politically diverse and nonpartisan, NHC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. To learn more about NHC, visit https://nhc.org/.