Processes of developing 'community livability' in older age

•'Livability' is an actively negotiated relationship of person and place over time.•Processes of developing livability unfold during participation in daily activities.•Participation in these quotidian activities is much more complex than is often assumed.•Livability can be maximized through a focus on participation vs. key features of a place.

Objective'Community livability' is a widely used term that is still under-conceptualized. The purpose of the project was to theorize key dynamics of livability for older adults who are aging in place in their homes and communities.MethodsTwelve community-dwelling adults (70 +) were recruited in a multiple-case study design. Interviews and naturalistic observations were used over the course of 6 months. Global positioning system (GPS) devices were used to generate maps (routines, routes, type and duration of activities) to elicit additional insights through interviews. We used grounded theory analysis.ResultsFor older adults, livability is not experienced as the presence of amenities, but rather involves active and ongoing negotiation of physical and social dimensions of their communities. We identify three core processes of livability including enacting an ideology of aging, building social infrastructure, and negotiating daily participation. These three processes unfolded in varied ways, yet closely shaped-and were shaped by-the older adults' participation in their necessary and chosen daily activities.DiscussionCommunity livability is a process that varies considerably from the current conceptualizations. Understanding and expanding livability considerations will have positive implications for older adults' well-being while aging in community settings.