All Hands on Deck: AARP Among a Growing Field of Industry Leaders Tackling Housing Issues
Within the span of less than 10 days in January, two tech giants made headlines by announcing separate initiatives to tackle a serious problem in America: housing affordability. A $500 million pledge from Microsoft consists of loans for the preservation and creation of low-income and middle-income housing. The investment also includes funding to address homelessness. Meanwhile, the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, founded by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, is leading a group of companies and organizations in creating two …
Building Livable Communities for All Ages in Washington, D.C.
Many perceive Washington, DC as being a livable community. It has plenty of shops, interesting neighborhoods, fun destinations, lively streets, and transit options. Yet is the nation’s capital truly livable? A livable community is livable for people of all ages. Shops should include stores with healthy food choices and pharmacies, while interesting neighborhoods mean housing for diverse household types. Fun destinations should feature not just costly options, but recreation centers, libraries, and parks. Lively streets should be safe for …
Disrupting Housing: Younger Generations Leading the Way to Develop a Model for Ageless Homes
Every person, regardless of age, can participate in creating a livable community. According to a newly published report from Generations United and the Eisner Foundation, opportunities that bring different generations together—even the tougher ones involving “tack[ling] critical problems” benefit the entire community. Though somewhat counterintuitive, finding solutions to meet the needs of older adults must involve voices and collaboration coming from people of all ages. Various generations offer different perspectives, and in fact, people of all ages gain value from …
Is Your Community the Right Fit?
You like where you live. Your community is the perfect fit, you say. Yet will it be the right fit 10, 20, or 30 years from now? Will housing costs become an issue, and will you want different transportation options, closer access to your doctor, or perhaps a grocery store nearby? While it’s possible that your personal preferences may remain the same, priorities evolve through the years. At one time, school quality and proximity to work may have been your …
Different Generations, Similar Desire for Walkable Communities
Comments on a blog post about a revitalizing neighborhood in Washington, D.C., claimed that older people often don’t care about having amenities such as shopping and health care within walking distance. They can live in the suburbs and have everything they need. Affordable housing in urban areas, one person argued, better serves younger people who work. But, as an author of the recently released AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) What Is Livable? Report, I can tell you the opposite is true: …
