At any age, the pursuit of a good life is easier in a physical environment that promotes health, supports activities important to self-fulfillment, and facilitates connections to the larger community. In old age, the home and neighborhood environments are particularly important: they are the locations where older people spend most their time, and they can have a great impact on independence, social connection, feelings of self-worth, and physical and emotional well-being. Yet in the United States and elsewhere, the homes in which most people live are not suited to the needs that arise with older age. Few homes offer basic accessibility features for those who are frail or have other disabilities. Too many homes are unaffordable, forcing budgetary trade-offs that can affect people's ability to purchase healthy food and access health care. Neighborhoods are seldom designed in ways that welcome older people with disabilities and other chronic conditions into the community. The spread-out, low-density communities in which most older adults live in the United States pose challenges for service delivery. While there are several key features of homes and communities important for older adults, societies typically lack a wide range of options that can help individuals achieve their version of a good life, as no one housing or neighborhood type serves the needs of all older people.
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