Take Action to Make Your Community More Livable

By 2030, one in five people in the United States will be over the age of 65. Is your community prepared?

Think about the place where you live. Do you have sidewalks? And if so, are there accessibility ramps? What about crosswalks or roundabouts to slow traffic? If your car broke down, could you quickly take advantage of public transportation? What about downsizing—are there affordable housing options for retirees or those just starting out? When AARP Arkansas talks about Livable Communities, we are talking about places that serve all residents, regardless of age, ability level, income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.

Consider this: a sidewalk with an accessibility ramp doesn’t just benefit someone with a walker or wheelchair; it also benefits the mom pushing her toddler in a stroller, the teen walking the family pet, or the kids on their bikes going to a friend’s house up the street. What is good for one age group is good for all age groups regarding Livable Communities.

According to the AARP Policy Book, “Livable communities include essential features that allow residents of all ages and backgrounds to thrive. These include mixed-use zoning, safe and varied transportation options, and diversity of housing types. Livable communities also have public spaces that benefit everyone. In addition, they provide access to essential businesses and services, such as grocery stores, high-speed internet, and healthcare options.”

In 2023, AARP Arkansas committed in its three-year plan to look for ways to improve our state’s livability by providing education and boots-on-the-ground opportunities. In 2024, we took that to the next level with a variety of workshops crafted around digital connectivity, disaster preparedness, housing, and more. Various workshops have been offered in person and virtually to include the maximum number of voices. We were honored to sponsor Age-Friendly Little Rock’s inaugural Creating Community Connections Summit. Our listening sessions have stretched from Central Arkansas into the Delta. Together, with the help of community leaders and lawmakers, we will help people choose how they live as they age.

Upcoming Events (more coming in 2025):

• October 15, noon, Getting Households Prepared for Disasters, register here
• October 30, Hillcrest Walk Audit, time and location TBD - register today to be added to the list, register here

Join our Livable Communities team! If the work we are doing resonates with you, reach out to us at ar@aarp.org and ask for more information on joining our Livable Communities Team. We are already looking at an exciting 2025 and would love to have you join us.