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A Searchable Database of Environmental and Policy Change Resources

The EPC Clearinghouse provides resources, tools, and concrete strategies that support local efforts in environmental and policy change for healthy aging.

The Clearinghouse was created by the CDC Healthy Aging Research Network. Resources included here have been chosen for their relevance and usefulness to people working in the fields of aging services, public health, planning, architecture, engineering, recreation, transportation, and health care.

Clearinghouse resources include:

  • Toolkits, best practices, case studies, and process steps for engaging other stakeholders
  • Guidelines for working with decision-makers at various levels of government
  • Environmental and policy change information specific to older adults in the areas of walkability, livable communities, transportation, older pedestrians and drivers, improving access to healthy foods, universal design, and rural community issues

Background information about healthy aging and its relationship to healthy communities, built environment, and mobilitiy.


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.”
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.
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.
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.