Lifelong Homes & Communities
Homes are the heart of our communities and the hubs of our lives.
Imagine homes that help us live our best lives, no matter our age or ability. This is the vision of IBE’s Lifelong Homes and Lifelong Communities certifications.
In collaboration with partners across Colorado, we have created and are now piloting certification programs for Lifelong Homes and Communities to promote the development of safe, healthy, accessible homes for all.
Lifelong Homes certification is available for diverse types of homes and communities. IBE is working toward a statewide standard that:
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- Helps overcome market and industry barriers to Lifelong Homes;
- Guides developers and builders in creating Lifelong Homes;
- Educates homeowners and homebuyers about Lifelong Homes features; and
- Provides municipalities with tools to accommodate all residents.
Why Lifelong Homes?
The older adult population in Colorado and globally is growing rapidly. People are living longer, and the largest generation the world has ever seen is now into retirement age. Over 21% of adults in Colorado and 25% of adults nationally live with some type of disability, such as a visual, mobility, cognitive, learning, hearing, mental and/or social disability. To keep pace with demand, we need more housing options equipped to meet the changing needs that come with aging and disability, and that incorporate the latest research on environmental and social determinants of health.
Qualities of Lifelong Homes
Based on the latest research on environmental and social determinants of health, IBE has designed five categories that re-define what makes homes safe, healthy, and accessible for all. Lifelong Homes are thoughtfully designed with these factors in mind to help us live our best lives, no matter what changes arise. Lifelong Homes certification recognizes individual homes that address the five categories. Read more about the criteria.
Lifelong Communities certification recognizes communities designed with features that support active, healthy, sustainable living for all who live there; designed to support the development and certification of Lifelong Homes; and that commit to providing prospective homebuyers with information and the opportunity to pursue Lifelong Homes certification.
Get Involved
We are working with partners to understand the needs and perspectives of diverse stakeholders, and to gather input and feedback on our criteria and how to move forward in creating the standard. You can help by piloting Lifelong Homes.
Thanks to Our Supporters
The Lifelong Homes initiative is possible thanks to the generous support of Actual Communities Inc., the City of Centennial, Colorado State University’s Office of the Vice-President for Research, Connell Resources, and the Rose Community Foundation, and the collaboration of our partners: Lifelong Colorado, Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging, the Larimer County Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities (PAFC), the Nancy Richardson Design Center, the City of Centennial, the Rose Community Foundation, Waters’ Edge, LLC., Connell Resources, and New Town Builders.
