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How
prepared are America's Communities to handle
the Aging Boom?
Innovators in four locations to hold
discussions on Aging in Place throughout
June With grants available for Innovative
Community Ideas
WASHINGTON, June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- As part of a national movement to promote
"Aging in Place" initiatives, four
communities in America will be hosting
workshops throughout the month of June,
bringing local experts together for
discussions aimed at helping older Americans
remain in their communities.
Attendees also will learn how to apply for "JumpStart
the Conversation" grants designed to help
local organizations bring innovative ideas
to life.
The workshops are sponsored by MetLife
Foundation, Partners for Livable Communities
(Partners), and the National Association of
Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).
The events taking place during the month
of June include:
-- San Antonio, Texas -- June 11,
Redesigning Communities for Aging in Place
-- Richmond, Virginia -- June 17,
Engaging Community Leaders in the Process
-- Wichita, Kansas -- June 23,
Revitalizing Communities for All Generations
-- Chattanooga, Tennessee -- June 30,
Building Partnerships
The workshops are the latest in a two-year
series of dynamic events with key innovators
and representatives from specific regions
looking to identify strategies for improving
livability for those of all ages through:
partnership building, community redesign and
intergenerational connections.
Local discussions complement the national
conversation on aging and highlight the
creative work being done to make communities
first-rate areas for all ages.
According to the 2006 survey, "The Maturing
of America -- Getting Communities on Track
for an Aging Population," a report led by
n4a, Partners, the International City-County
Management Association, the National
Association of Counties, and the National
League of Cities and funded by MetLife
Foundation, only 46% of American communities
have begun planning to address the needs of
the exploding population of aging Baby
Boomers.
The first Boomers reached age 60 in 2006 and
will be 65 in 2011.
This rapidly aging population will hit its
peak in 2030 when the number of people over
age 65 in the United States will soar to
71.5 million, double the figure for 2000, or
one in every five Americans.
"This is both a challenge and an opportunity
to make our communities better places for
all age groups," said Sandy Markwood, CEO of
n4a. "The efforts taking place in these
regions are models for others across the
country."
"JumpStart the Conversation" grants allow
area organizations to take local action on
Aging in Place initiatives.
In each region holding workshops, nine
grants of $1,000 and one grant of $2,500
will be awarded to support innovative ideas
tailored to the community.
Although applicants do not have to attend to
be eligible for a grant, the workshops are
meant to be a catalyst for action and to
stimulate participants to begin considering
their community's specific needs.
The deadline for submission of grant
applications will be two weeks following
each event.
"Through the workshop and grant
opportunities, communities will gain a
renewed sense of urgency when it comes to
considering community livability for all
ages," said Robert McNulty, president of
Partners.
"We're looking to bring together an
energized group of organizations and
individuals in order to face the challenges
that accompany this time of change."
Previous workshops have taken place in Tampa
Bay, Phoenix, Kansas City, Chicago, San
Diego, Charlotte, Miami, and most recently,
in St. Louis. They have resulted in grant
awards for such innovative projects as:
-- La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation
in San Diego -- spearheaded a group drumming
project for older adults and youth,
providing an opportunity for all to learn
about rhythm and movement and to reinforce
the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle
that can be shared by all.
-- The Miami Behavioral Health Center --
promoted a "Mobility Maps" program to
seniors in the Miami-Dade area that alerts
seniors to different transportation options
based on specific transportation needs.
-- Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens
in Arizona -- developed new business
partnerships with the 13 Chamber of Commerce
organizations in the two-county area with
the goal of creating age-appropriate jobs
for older adult workers.
-- Thomas J. Brown, Jr. Foundation, Inc.
of Kansas City -- recruited skilled
professionals with experience in minor
interior and exterior
home repair and lawn maintenance to help
older adults remain in their homes and
neighborhoods as long as possible.
"This initiative is identifying creative
solutions that will help America's
communities meet the needs of an
unprecedented population of aging Americans
looking to comfortably age in place," said
Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife
Foundation.
"MetLife Foundation is pleased to support
these forums because these ongoing
conversations will help create livable
communities for people of all ages."
MetLife Foundation -- Established in 1976 by
MetLife for the purpose of supporting
education, health, civic and cultural
organizations. In aging, MetLife funds
programs that support healthy aging and
address caregiving issues, intergenerational
activities, mental fitness and volunteerism.
For more information, visit
www.metlife.org .
Partners for Livable Communities (Partners)
-- A national, nonprofit organization
working to renew communities for all ages.
For more information, visit
www.livable.com.
National Association of Area Agencies on
Aging (n4a) -- A leading voice on aging
issues for Area Agencies on Aging across the
country and a champion for Title VI Native
American aging programs in our nation's
capital. For more information, visit
www.n4a.org.
For more information on Aging in Place
initiatives, upcoming workshops, and "JumpStart"
grant recipients, visit
www.aginginplaceinitiative.org
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