title: Creating elder-friendly communities: preparations for an aging society.
abstract: Because many communities where older people live were not designed for their needs, older residents may require support to remain in the least restrictive environment. "Age-prepared communities" utilize community planning and advocacy to foster aging in place. "Elder-friendly communities" are places that actively involve, value, and support older adults, both active and frail, with infrastructure and services that effectively accommodate their changing needs. This paper presents an analysis of the literature and results of a Delphi study identifying the most important characteristics of an elder-friendly community: accessible and affordable transportation, housing, health care, safety, and community involvement opportunities. We also highlight innovative programs and identify how social workers can be instrumental in developing elder-friendly communities.
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Alley
authors.forename: Phoebe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liebig
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pynoos
authors.forename: Tridib
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Banerjee
authors.forename: In Hee
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003697:Delphi Technique; D006801:Humans; D010934:Planning Techniques; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States