Fostering a Healthy Culture of Aging
As our population ages, the demand for homes and communities that support a robust environment for residents of all ages continues to grow. Historically, real estate development has not prioritized the needs of older adults, but that’s changing. At Art + Business ONE (A+B1), we’ve taken a proactive approach to support this shift, working with Colorado State University’s Institute for the Built Environment (IBE) on initiatives that redefine the future of community and home design for aging populations.
Building for Longevity with Lifelong Homes and Communities Certifications
In partnership with CSU’s IBE program, A+B1 has contributed to the development of the Lifelong Homes Certification. This program communicates the benefits to home builders to construct homes designed to accommodate the evolving needs of homeowners of all ages and creates another way of standing out among the competition. The certification encourages features that promote homes and communities for life—everything from wider doorways to barrier-free designs—making homes more accessible, comfortable, and sustainable for a diverse population.
Recognizing that aging well goes beyond the four walls of a home, we worked with CSU’s Institute for the Built Environment to create the Lifelong Communities Certification. This certification is designed for developers, encouraging them to build neighborhoods that foster a healthy culture of aging. A Lifelong Community prioritizes features such as walkability, access to essential services like dining and recreation, and a rich social fabric that encourages community connections. These elements help create environments where older adults can live safely, remain active, and maintain a sense of belonging throughout their lives.
“A+B1 continues to provide a catalytic boost that is elevating our Lifelong Communities & Homes program messaging to a host of audiences. We are grateful to A+B1 for their insightful and creative guidance and long-term partnership.”
— Brian Dunbar, Executive Director of IBE, Professor Emeritus
A New Definition of Living Well—for Life
Certified Lifelong Communities and Homes represent a holistic approach to a lifestyle that’s friendly for all ages. Drawing on principles from sustainable and walkable communities, New Urbanism, and the Complete Streets Model, these certifications redefine what it means to “live well for life.” By addressing not only housing but also community infrastructure and design, developers can create spaces that meet the long-term needs and aspirations of their residents.
Our role at A+B1 has been to help shape the messaging and strategy around these certifications, working alongside CSU’s IBE to ensure that builders and developers recognize the long-term value of these programs. Lifelong Certifications give developers a unique marketing advantage and align their projects with the latest trends in age-friendly living.
A Commitment to Collaborative Innovation
By partnering with CSU’s IBE program, we are supporting the development of certifications that foster a healthy culture of aging, while driving a movement that reshapes how communities are planned and built for our future. As developers and builders embrace these certifications, they’re contributing to the creation of vibrant, age-friendly neighborhoods that provide a warm sense of comfort, wellness, and pride for residents—at every stage of life.
If you’re interested in learning more about how A+B1 can help your development align with the future of demographics of homebuying generations, or if you’d like to explore how the Lifelong Homes and Communities Certifications can benefit your next project, let’s start the conversation.