Below are the possible themes that Partners and n4a had chosen for the Aging in Place Initiative workshops. Each of these represents a unique component of the Aging in Place Initiative that has not been explored in depth. Partners worked closely with each communitya and participating organization to identify what is the most appropriate theme for their aging community and general community at large. Each workshop was centered on the individual theme and experts were invited to participate as part of the workshop concept.
Housing/Shelter
A livable community provides a range of housing types at various levels of affordability. Most communities, however, face major economic and political challenges to providing a diverse array of housing stock, including apartments, homesharing options, and compact housing.
Civic Engagement
The gifts and talents of every individual should be put to use so that communities can become better places for all. Retired individuals have opportunities to use the skills and experience they’ve developed over time to serve their communities directly and take leadership roles.
Engaged seniors report being more satisfied with retirement than less active adults.
Workforce/Economics
Productive aging promotes the ability of older persons to engage in economic and social activities whether they are paid or not. A study found that 5.4 million retired individuals are ready and able to return to work—one out of three of these would like to volunteer.
Vulnerable Elderly
Aging in Place is a particular challenge for individuals living in economically ravaged neighborhoods, those with language barriers or educational deficiencies, single women, and others with challenges who fall outside the standard model of service delivery.
Culture/Life Long Learning/Recreation/Enrichment
Lifelong learning and participation in cultural and recreational activities are important for older adults’ health and communities’ quality of life and economic competitiveness.
Transportation
To Age in Place successfully, people need to have safe and easy access to services, amenities, and support networks (such as friends and family). These basic components of daily life should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including children and youth, people with disabilities, and older adults.
Health/Wellness/Social Services
A livable community for all ages has a high capacity both to address and to prevent health problems. A good wellness environment encourages physical activity, promotes preventive health programs such as health fairs and free screenings, and offers opportunities to engage older adults in the civic and cultural life of the community.
Placemaking/Community Redesign
The physical characteristics of a livable community can be seen on any “Main Street,” where some residences are close to stores and services and people can easily travel by car, on foot, or by bicycle, or where they can access convenient public transit.
Technology
Technology has much to offer older adults in areas such as telemedicine, off-site monitoring, and social engagement. A technologically prepared community will be a more competitive community for attracting all ages.
Institutional Responses—Libraries, Hospitals, Universities and more
Are the libraries, cultural centers, hospitals, and similar institutions in the community developing programs and offerings that are catering to all ages? Providing these opportunities can build a powerful advocacy voice in the community in support of these institutions.
Aging in the Suburbs
Older Americans have one overwhelming thing in common with Americans in general: most are living in the suburbs where mobility is essential and public transportation is sparse, social services and health care are not uniform, and housing options are limited.
Aging in Place with a Comprehensive Approach
The surest way to develop a livable community for all ages is to take the comprehensive approach. Apply a filter that ranges across all age groups to the full spectrum of public agencies to see if they provide options for older people.
