Read on to learn about the 8 domains of livability, why they are important, and the Miami-Dade Age-Friendly Initiative’s vision for an age-friendly community.
Age-Friendly Domains
OUTDOOR SPACES & BUILDINGS
Age-friendly outdoor spaces and parks are those that are clean and pleasant with green spaces and outdoor seating, adequate pedestrian infrastructure that includes well-maintained and unobstructed sidewalks, appropriate curbs to accommodate wheelchairs, and pedestrian crossings that allow enough time for seniors to safely cross, among other features. Additionally, the buildings and businesses within them should be similarly secure, welcoming, and accessible for all ages.
Vision for Miami-Dade County: Older adults have a safe and enjoyable physical environment in which to live and be active.
TRANSPORTATION
Since mobility declines with aging, an age-friendly community needs to have a variety of reliable transportation options, and all areas and services in a community need to be accessible by public transportation and be adapted to accommodate disabled people. The availability of different options and modes of transportation is also important to meet the needs of older adults.
Vision for Miami-Dade County: Older adults utilize a variety of types of transportation they want and need to move throughout the community.
HOUSING
An age-friendly community must have housing available that is affordable, located in safe neighborhoods, and in close proximity to businesses and services in the community. In addition, housing that is near public transit or has links to public transit makes it easier for people of all ages to live in and get around. Furthermore, adapted housing that meets the needs of all ages, including older adults and disabled people, should be provided.
Vision for Miami-Dade County: Housing for older adults is affordable, accessible, and adapted to their needs and interests.
SOCIAL PARTICIPATION
An age-friendly community should have affordable and conveniently located events, activities, and opportunities for social engagement tailored to all ages, including older adults.
Vision for Miami-Dade County: Older adults enjoy a wide range of opportunities for social participation.
RESPECT & SOCIAL INCLUSION
An age-friendly city promotes awareness and understands the value and needs of older adults. Additionally, the input of older adults should be included in the decision-making process for all aspects and areas of the community.
Vision for Miami-Dade County: Older adults feel welcomed and valued in all community settings.
CIVIC PARTICIPATION & EMPLOYMENT
The availability of sufficient and varied employment, volunteering, and training program opportunities tailored to older adults is also key to an age-friendly community. Similar to domain five, older adults should be included in decision-making in both private and public sectors to effectively meet their needs.
Vision for Miami-Dade County: Older adults have a wide range of employment and civic engagement opportunities.
COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
In an age-friendly community, it is important to have continued and widespread distribution of information; therefore, an efficient communication system needs to be in place to reach all individuals and effectively inform residents of the services, programs, and resources available.
Vision for Miami-Dade County: The broader community is aware and knowledgeable about the presence, value, needs and wants of older adults.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT & HEALTH SERVICES
In order to meet the needs of older adults, an age-friendly community needs to provide adequate access to all levels of health care and offer services that promote, maintain, and restore health. Community support, including the delivery of services, social services, and widespread information and resources for emergency planning, is a vital component of healthy aging.
Vision for Miami-Dade County: Older adults are supported by quality health care, community based wellness and supportive services.
Lead Agencies
Our partners include the following lead agencies: AARP Florida, Alliance for Aging, Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, Health Foundation of South Florida, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, United Way of Miami-Dade, and Urban Health Partnerships.
