Creating change: Conceptualizing environmental policy initiatives and tools to support healthy ging

Today and in the foreseeable future, we face significant environmental challenges all of which have proven health implications for older adults. In this new decade, it is imperative that we initiate a comprehensive policy response in the US, stimulating activity at all levels of government, engaging citizens and the private sector and finding common cause across interest groups. This paper presents an integrated approach to environmental policy planning and implementation that takes into account the needs of older adults, including the most vulnerable. It builds upon recent increases in attention to policy that supports independence and active aging, as well as recognition of the importance of the environment to aging. It includes a discussion of mutual interests of different policy communities, and it illustrates a conceptual framework to guide consideration of environmental policy change to support healthy aging at the national, state and local levels. It will identify processes that may ultimately support the implementation of policies that will achieve positive outcomes. It will provide examples of strategies and policy tools pertinent to environmental and policy change, as well as their successful use. The paper draws upon the work of the CDC sponsored Healthy Aging Research Network, which includes eight academic centers across the country and their community partners and affiliates.