Learning Network for Active Aging: Challenges and successes to date

Active for Life® and the National Blueprint, in collaboration with the EPA's Aging Initiative has created the Learning Network (LN) for Active Aging, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and receiving technical assistance from the CDC Healthy Aging Research Network. Many communities desire better programming and/or environments for healthy living but are often unsure of best practices or how to implement them. The LN brings together those interested in creating healthy communities by bridging research and practice through an innovative approach of e-collaboration and networking. Coordinated with the Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging (BHCAA) initiatives, the LN aids in linking programs and paradigms, sharing best practices and evidence-based practices, dissemination of ideas/experiences, and building recognition in the broader community for strategies to create healthier communities. During the initial planning phases of the LN, a series of learning sessions were held to determine technical assistance most useful for professionals/organizations interested in implementing and/or sustaining programs. Increased recognition and interest in the LN has been achieved through 1) discussion groups at national conferences and various workshops, 2) distribution of media (e.g. flyers, posters, email), and 3) networking. Feedback received during the discussion groups has aided in the development of the LN. The LN provides a very practical approach for communities to learn from one another through mentoring and information sharing, and will serve to increase collaboration between government agencies, academia, non-governmental and for-profit organizations. This session will discuss the LN concept, its challenges and successes to date.