Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Age-Friendly Communities

Two older Black women walk on a trail past cherry blossoms in peak bloom on an early spring morning.

Age-friendly communities refer to places that enable older adults to engage with social, economic, and civic life. In the DVRPC region, population is forecasted to increase by 7.8% between 2020 and 2050, while those over age 65 will increase by 47%. In response, DVRPC seeks to address ways that planners and policymakers can make places better for aging, specifically around transportation, housing, and public spaces. DVRPC supports planning for age-friendly communities through a number of projects and initiatives, including forecasting population growth and aging cohorts, mapping locations of older adults, and emphasizing the need for safe mobility and a variety of housing types throughout our work.

Demographics

Title VI Compliance Tool for Greater Philadelphia Region identifies populations covered under Title VI using U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) 2020-2024 five-year estimates data and maps these populations in each of the census tracts in the region via GIS.

Title IV Compliance Tool

Accessory Dwelling Units

One way municipalities can support safe, affordable housing for an aging population is to allow zoning for accessory dwelling units. DVRPC has mapped which municipalities in our region allow accessory dwelling units. 

Recent Publications

Resources

Partnerships

Local Age-Friendly Efforts

Area Agencies on Aging

National Resources

Senior Housing

Age-Friendly Business Programs

Senior Playgrounds

Maps of Aging

Transportation Needs