Community-Based Models for Aging in Place

The “graying of America” calls for new solutions to enable older Americans to age in place in their communities of choice. Aging services offered at the local, state, and federal levels encompass a range of programs—like transportation, meal assistance, and home modifications—to help older people stay in their communities. Ideally, the service programs would be user-friendly and comprehensive. But instead, they are frequently a complicated maze characterized by significant gaps in the types of services offered and significant constraints on eligibility. Against this backdrop, many community grassroots initiatives have emerged in the search for options. This issue brief reviews three community-based models—cohousing, villages, and livable communities—that are filling critical gaps in services directed at those who want to age in place. The brief discusses the benefits and challenges of each model and suggests pathways for their expansion and integration to advance and sustain policies and programs for aging in place.