Nearly 90 percent of U.S. residents over age 65 want to “age in place”—stay in their homes for as long as possible—but they need transportation options if their plans are to succeed, according to Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices, a new report from AARP and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

AARP and NCSL worked together to identify the state transportation policies, as well as those governing housing and land use, that can make this choice work best for them. Specifically, Complete Streets measures enacted in 25 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico can provide improved access for all street users, regardless of age and ability, and states such as Idaho and Montana have instituted policies that ensure access to services in rural areas

“State legislators will continue to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by significant growth in the older adult population,” the report states. “Without changes in how communities are constructed and services are delivered, older adults may find it increasingly difficult to live in their communities and may have to consider institutional care. This could mean increased costs for states. State policy makers may consider the above strategies to facilitate aging in place, which people overwhelmingly prefer.”

The full text of the report is available here.