A healthy community perspective on aging well

Policymakers and practitioners are facing a new paradigm for working with an aging population. In some cases, the sheer number of older adults with longer life spans, combined with the demand for services relevant to a young and more diverse population, is creating pressure to balance the needs of two very different constituencies. In response to this growing need, the Center for Civic Partnerships conducted research on what communities can do to improve the health and quality of life for older adults. Six key domains were identified: community involvement; varied housing options; transportation; employment; lifelong learning; and supportive services. These domains, as well as strategies and promising practices, were vetted using an assessment tool and through feedback from a review committee of practitioners and subject matter experts. This research culminated in the publication of A Healthy Community Perspective on Aging Well, which serves as a call to action for policymakers, chief executives, planners, business, nonprofit leaders and residents. The Centers' Healthy Cities Preparing For An Aging Population grants provide funding to municipalities to undertake community-based planning and implementation efforts for healthy aging. The Healthy Cities and Communities Model is the framework for conceptualizing the issues and planning and implementing the strategies.