Communities for All Ages

Communities that provide a range of age-friendly housing options, including advanced accessibility features, will retain their older adult residents and provide attractive options for those of all ages looking for housing. Assistance with property maintenance and housing costs and removing barriers for co-housing or intergenerational solutions can help to provide safe and stable housing for older adults.

Key Concepts

• Variety: type, cost, family make-up, Universal Design, land use.
• Stability: code enforcement, safe living conditions, affordability.

Checklist for Implementation

1. Encourage and allow for a range of housing options, including middle housing, accessory dwelling units, shared dwellings and solutions for intergenerational living.
2. Streamline the building code review process to reduce barriers to housing development.
3. Evaluate zoning and building code review processes in commercial buildings to support the needs of residents of all ages.
   Enact policies to encourage developers to include features to accommodate a variety of mobility needs, including elements of Universal Design.
4. Provide information about housing options that support different mobility and dependence levels.
5. Provide resources to help residents strengthen crime prevention in their homes.
6. Implement a short-term rental policy that protects the availability and affordability of the housing stock.
7. Conduct a housing audit and ensure any new development meets the needs of residents of all ages.
8. Support and promote initiatives that help with aging-in-place, including home repair, home modification, weatherization, CAPABLE and PACE programs.
9. Incorporate age considerations into strategic approaches to addressing homelessness.