By now, many have noticed that America is growing older at an unprecedented rate. Today, there are more than 35 million Americans age 65 and older, and that number is expected to rise to nearly 55 million by the year 2020—a 65% increase. Most importantly, however, is the fact that these older adults are overwhelming choosing to stay in their own homes and communities as they age. Just last year, AARP surveyed Americans over 50 and discovered that 89 percent wanted to stay in their own homes as long as possible.
Since 1989, Partners for Livable Communities has been a leader in raising awareness of the opportunities inherent in the rise of the older adult population. Developing Livable Communities for All Ages looks beyond the fields of healthcare and social security and explores housing options, economic development, community support systems, and civic engagement.
In the course of this project, Partners has formed partnerships with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), the International City and County Management Association (ICMA), the National League of Cities (NLC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Major funding for Aging in Place programs has come from the MetLife Foundation, AARP, and a number of local communities interested in planning for their future.
Click Here to Read More about Partners Aging in Place Initiative.
The MetLife Foundation has funded Partners for Livable Communities to implement the MetLife City Leaders Institute on Aging in Place. This timely initiative is inspired by the successful Mayors' Institute on City Design that has helped prepare more than 800 mayors to understand and put into practice the components of urban design over the past two decades. The City Leaders Institute has adapted a process to focus on the assets, needs and attributes of the over 65 population and consider what this means for local jurisdictions. This is accomplished by working with local leaders to establish a local Aging in Place goal, engaging a broad array of civic players around the goal, and raising awareness among everyone of the importance of embracing the growing older population.
Ten communities selected by Partners and MetLife Foundation are currently participating in the second year of the program, following a group of five communities that participated in the first year. All are involved in a variety of innovative projects that have potential for being models for others.
