US Communities Are Getting Older, but Also More Livable, Cornell Research Finds

Aging in the United States is often framed as a looming crisis, but new Cornell University research highlights a more optimistic reality. Many communities are becoming increasingly livable for older adults, with measurable improvements across key quality-of-life indicators such as transportation, civic engagement, neighborhood design, and overall community support.

The study analyzed nearly 650 counties, cities, and towns that have participated in the AARP Livability Index since its launch in 2015. Seventy percent of these age-friendly communities improved their overall scores between 2015 and 2024. Approximately 31,000 additional communities not formally part of the AARP network showed some progress as well, though at a slower pace.

Mildred Warner, professor of global development and city and regional planning at Cornell, emphasized that demographic aging presents an opportunity rather than a threat. She noted that communities are demonstrating real progress in designing places that support people aging in place.

The research, co-authored with Xue Zhang of Pennsylvania State University, reveals that participating communities became more livable, more engaged, and wealthier over time. The improvements were strongest in areas within local control, including transportation access, neighborhood design, and civic participation. Civic engagement saw the greatest gains, with communities reporting stronger social connection, purposeful planning, and higher voter participation.

However, challenges remain. Housing affordability continues to be a critical pain point, especially in urban areas where desirability and growth drive prices upward. Rural communities, which often have higher shares of older residents, lag behind urban areas in improving age-friendly indicators. The researchers pointed to a need for better strategies that address the needs of rural and small towns, noting that some metrics may reflect urban biases.

Warner underscored that simple, low-cost improvements can make a significant difference. Features such as zero-step home entries, inclusive zoning, accessible transit, and community listening sessions can all shape more supportive environments for older residents. While broader socioeconomic challenges like income inequality and healthcare access remain harder to solve, the study shows that targeted local action can still yield meaningful progress.

The findings will be discussed during an AARP webinar on December 9 titled “Toward More Livable Communities: The 2025 AARP Livability Index Reveal.” The work was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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