Session Abstract: Symposium on Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging

The Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging (BCHAA) a multi-agency program spearheaded by EPA in conjunction with CDC, USPCPFS, NCOA, National Blueprint, and Active for Life® seeks to raise national awareness about synergies that can be achieved by communities combining Smart Growth and Active Aging concepts. This symposium will address how this combined activity can lead to healthier older individuals and more supportive environments. Panelists will share their innovative ideas, methods and approaches to healthy aging, present progress made from national programs, and identify implications for future research, practice, and or policy. Sykes (EPA) will provide a general orientation to the BCHAA and discuss how proven smart growth principles can improve environmental health for older adults. Two examples of active aging programs will be presented: 1) lessons learned the RWJF-Funded Best Practice Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults Program (Hughes) and 2) the benefits of the NCOA- generated Active Options Program for spreading a web-based “census” of physical activity programs for older adult (Sanker). Lee will discuss the interrelationships among neighborhood characteristics, walkability, and healthy aging, emphasizing the importance of this combined perspective. The advantages of a Learning Network for tracking lessons learned and promoting new knowledge and practice through modeling and networking will be discussed (Ory) The discussant, Chodzko-Zajko (National Blueprint) will address the implications for research, policy and practice with attention to what can be achieved through a coalition of organizations charged to increase physical activity in the 50-plus population.