The Centers for Disease Control – Healthy Aging Research Network (CDC-HAN) has launched an Environmental Policy and Change (EPC) Clearinghouse. The EPC Clearinghouse is valuable resource for communities desiring to  create environments that promote healthy aging.

The EPC Clearinghouse is a searchable database of online resources including more than 130 tools, best practices, case studies, and strategies to engage stakeholders and work with policy decision-makers.  Clearinghouse resources are focused on environmental and policy change information specific to older adults in the areas of walkability, livable communities, transportation, older pedestrians and drivers, universal design, and rural community issues. Clearinghouse Resources are organized into four topics:

Healthy Aging – This topic area includes resources that address healthy aging in general, which we define as “the development and maintenance of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being and function in older adults.”

Healthy Communities – This topic area includes resources on healthy communities, including the relationship between community and health, livable and lifelong communities, and aging in place and in the community.

Built Environment – This topic area includes resources on the built environment and healthy aging, including Smart Growth, Complete Streets, and the fundamentals of built environment practice and policy change.

Mobility – This topic area includes resources on mobility and older adults, including walking, use of pedestrian facilities by persons using various assistive devices, biking, driving, and passenger transportation.