Section 5. The 8 Domains of Livability
Section 5. The 8 Domains of Livability
AARP’s Eight Domains of Livability serve as a framework for organizing the work done by age- and disability-friendly communities. The availability and quality of community features in each domain — housing, transportation, outdoor spaces, health services and others — has a direct impact on the well-being of older adults and people with disabilities.
The eight domains are in the order prioritized by community members through a dot voting exercise conducted across ten focus groups during Merced County’s needs assessment in 2025.
At some point, every person of every age gets hurt, becomes ill or simply needs some help. While it is important that assistance and care be available nearby, it is essential that residents are able to access and afford the services required.
Studies consistently find that most older adults want to reside in their current home or community for as long as possible. Doing so is possible if a home is designed or modified for aging in place, or if a community has housing options that are suitable for different incomes, ages and life stages.
Driving should not be the only way to get around. Pedestrians need sidewalks and safe, crossable streets. Dedicated bicycle lanes benefit non-drivers and drivers alike. Public transit options can range from the large-scale (trains, buses, light rail) to the small (taxis, shuttles or rideshare services).
We now communicate in ways few could have imagined a decade ago. Age-friendly communities recognize that information needs to be shared through a variety of methods since not everyone is tech-savvy, and not everyone has a smartphone or home-based access to the internet.
Regardless of a person’s age, loneliness is often as debilitating a health condition as having a chronic illness or disease. Sadness and isolation can be combated by having opportunities to socialize and the availability of accessible, affordable and fun social activities.
People need public places to gather — indoors and out. Green spaces, seating and accessible buildings (elevators, zero-step entrances, staircases with railings) can be used and enjoyed by people of all ages.
Why does work need to be an all or nothing experience? An age-friendly community encourages older people to be actively engaged in community life and has opportunities for residents to work for pay or volunteer their skills on a part-time basis.
Everyone wants to feel valued. Intergenerational gatherings and activities are a great way for younger and older people to learn from one another, honor what each has to offer and, at the same time, feel good about themselves.
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