Annual Report AARP 2009

> Making homes and communities more “livable” for people
as they age is one of AARP’s long-standing priorities. Our
members seek ways to remain in their homes for as long as
possible. Together, we created opportunities to help people
grow into their homes, not out of them.

Home Safe Home

Remaining in a home is much easier if it is well-designed or updated to meet residents’ changing needs.

AARP took a new approach during 2009 to promoting user-friendly homes that eliminate physical barriers and make appliances easier to reach, see or use. To encourage more builders and designers to get involved, we brought together a wide range of experts to begin developing Universal Design (UD) standards. AARP-backed UD ordinances were passed by two New York communities.

The AARP Recession Remodel Room Makeover Contest showcased the low-cost, high-style changes that average people can make to a North Carolina kitchen and a Washington bathroom.

Affordable housing was a priority, too. Our advocacy helped persuade county officials in Massachusetts, New York and Oregon to preserve housing options for those with low incomes.

Wheels or No Wheels

A record 47,000 people refreshed their driving skills through the online AARP Driver Safety Program. Even better, 98 percent of participants said they were “very” or “somewhat” satisfied. Montana became the latest state in which auto insurers can offer discounts to graduates of our classroom and online courses.

Meanwhile, Hawaii and Connecticut adopted “Complete Streets” laws designed to enhance safety for drivers, transit users, pedestrians and bicyclists, and Lansing became the first municipality in Michigan to pass a Complete Streets ordinance. To stimulate even further

easier Living Unique combinations of style, universal design and energy efficiency were showcased in the home and community designs honored by the 2009 Livable Communities Awards, presented by AARP and the National Association of Homebuilders.

action, AARP’s Public Policy Institute issued a report titled Planning Complete Streets for an Aging America.

Mobility advancements involving public transit and streetscape improvements were positive, too. For example, North Dakota will test how to get people where they need to go more efficiently via public transportation. City officials in Newport, Rhode Island and Indianapolis, Indiana, decided to improve sidewalks, curb cuts and traffic signals after reviewing assessments compiled by AARP.

AARP volunteers in 22 states made 53 presentations to Metropolitan Planning Organizations and other local bodies in support of expanded mobility options.