Active Living for Older Adults: Management Strategies for Healthy and Livable Communities

activity into daily routines. This guide, which is intended for local government managers and other local government leaders, offers strategies for designing communities that support “active aging—active living for older adults. In addition to encouraging physical activity, promoting active aging creates opportunities for older adults to remain active participants in civic life. Active aging can benefit both individuals and the entire community. For individuals, active living can improve health and overall vitality, increase independence, and foster greater social interaction. For local governments, promoting active living can make neighborhoods more livable for all ages, reduce costs associated with social services and health care, and yield a range of social and economic benefits by extending and expanding older adults’ contributions to civic life. Promoting active aging depends on a community’s ability to provide safe and walkable streets, a range of transportation options, and land use patterns that permit easy access to services and amenities. This guide explains the concept of active living and describes general strategies for beginning a local active aging initiative and specific strategies in key issues areas, including land use planning, streetscape design, transportation, housing, and promoting awareness. Active Living for Older Adults: