title: Processes of developing 'community livability' in older age.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  'Community livability' is a widely used term that is still under-conceptualized. The purpose of the project was to theorize key dynamics of livability for older adults who are aging in place in their homes and communities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve community-dwelling adults (70+) were recruited in a multiple-case study design. Interviews and naturalistic observations were used over the course of 6months. Global positioning system (GPS) devices were used to generate maps (routines, routes, type and duration of activities) to elicit additional insights through interviews. We used grounded theory analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For older adults, livability is not experienced as the presence of amenities, but rather involves active and ongoing negotiation of physical and social dimensions of their communities. We identify three core processes of livability including enacting an ideology of aging, building social infrastructure, and negotiating daily participation. These three processes unfolded in varied ways, yet closely shaped-and were shaped by-the older adults' participation in their necessary and chosen daily activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Community livability is a process that varies considerably from the current conceptualizations. Understanding and expanding livability considerations will have positive implications for older adults' well-being while aging in community settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Towson University, 8000 York Rd., Towson, MD 21252, United States. Electronic address: kheatwoleshank@towson.edu.
authors.forename: Kendra S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Heatwole Shank
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Care Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48202, United States. Electronic address: mpc@wayne.edu.
authors.forename: Malcolm P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Cutchin
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D009657:North Carolina; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012111:Residence Characteristics
keywords: Community-dwelling; Participation; Social networks