America's Communities Not Preparing for the Senior Citizen Population Boom

October 10, 2006 – As virtually everyone knows, the Baby Boomers are rolling into their 60s. When the boomer population bubble peaks in the senior citizen age category, the number of Americans over age 65 will hit 71.5 million – twice the number as in 2000. But a recent survey finds that less than half of U.S. communities have begun planning for this explosion of older Americans.

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"The Maturing of America - Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population," a report led by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and funded by MetLife Foundation, finds that only 46% of American communities have begun planning to address the needs of the aging Baby Boomers. The Baby Boom generation - born between 1946 and 1964 - is rapidly approaching retirement age.

When this trend hits its peak in 2030, the number of people over age 65 in the United States will be one in every five Americans.

"Beyond traditional aging services such as senior centers, meals-on-wheels programs, and home care, communities clearly need to reassess their policies, programs and services in the areas of transportation, housing, land use planning, public safety, parks and recreation, workforce development and volunteerism/civic engagement," said Sandy Markwood, CEO, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).

"To respond to the rapid rise in their aging population, communities will need to provide larger street signage, accessible housing, age appropriate fitness programs, as well as lifelong learning and job re-training opportunities. Although targeted to an aging population, these services would improve the quality of life for citizens of all ages."

The survey was conducted through a partnership with n4a and the International City/County Management Association, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities and Partners for Livable Communities. Questionnaires were sent to local governments asking about their "aging readiness."

	Ten “Best Practices” for Communities to Consider to Address the Needs of an Aging Population
	1. Preventive health care, such as health and “lifestyle” education, immunizations and screenings, to reduce injuries and the onset of chronic diseases, as well as a range of in-home health assistance to help people stay in their homes longer. 2. Nutrition education to promote healthy eating throughout a person’s lifespan, as well as nutritious community-sponsored programs, such as home-delivered meals for those who have difficulty or are unable to prepare their own meals. 3. Age-appropriate fitness programs and recreational facilities that offer walking trails, benches, and fitness equipment. 4. Larger, easier-to-read road signage, grooved lane dividers, reflective road markings and dedicated left-turn lanes. Driver assessments and training to promote safe driving for all ages, especially after strokes or other health incidents. Transportation options for people who cannot or do not want to drive. 5. Special planning and training to help public safety personnel and other first responders locate and assist older adults during emergencies and disasters. 6. Home modification programs that make necessary adjustments for people with special needs. Zoning and subdivision plans that promote a variety of affordable, accessible housing located near medical, commercial and other desired services, as well as shared housing options for older adults and their caregivers. 7. Tax assistance and property-tax relief for those in financial need and programs to protect older adults against fraud and abuse. 8. Job training, re-training and lifelong learning opportunities, as well as flexible employment options to attract and retain older workers. 9. Opportunities to engage older adults in community boards and commissions, as well as purposeful volunteer activities in local government and non-profit organizations. 10. Single point of entry for information and access to ALL aging information and services in the community, and the strategic expansion of necessary services that allow older adults to age with dignity and independence in their home and community.
	10 Communities with Great Ideas
	♦ Stratham, NH modified its zoning ordinance to provide an "Affordable Senior Housing" zone, without minimum lot sizes, to encourage the development of smaller structures suitable for "empty nesters." ♦ Buncombe County, NC launched the Mountain Mobility Senior Bus program to encourage public transportation usage among the county's growing in-migration of older adults. ♦ Mansfield, MA maintains emergency medical information files for every senior, as well as an Alzheimer's tracking system. ♦ Fairfax County, VA reorganized their home care service delivery system to a cluster care model, aligning services around Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities within the county's 400 square mile radius. ♦ Laredo, TX provides seniors with smaller trash receptacles, upon request. ♦ Peachtree, GA is expanding and improving its multi-use paths to interconnect all city areas, so citizens can get from place to place without a car. ♦ Five Massachusetts towns - Rockport, Southborough, Newbury, Medway and Swampscott- have a tax reduction/tax work-off program for seniors are community volunteers. ♦ Maumelle, AR created a Senior Services department to address seniors’ transportation, educational, social, and recreational needs in a compassionate and efficient manner. ♦ Scottsdale, AZ has created a program that trains teens aged 14-18 to assist low-income seniors or disabled residents with home improvement projects. ♦ Reno, NV provides transportation and vouchers for low income seniors to use at accredited farmers markets throughout the community. The City also educates seniors about healthy living choices, in both English and Spanish.

The results show that although many communities have some programs to address the needs of older adults, very few have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of what it would take to make their community "elder friendly." New England and Pacific Coast regions consistently show higher percentages of service availability and/or provision than other areas of the country.

"Though there are many positive findings, this report is a wake-up call," added Markwood.

"As the first of the Baby Boomers turn 60 this year, communities should begin planning to address this major demographic trend. We hope this report encourages community leaders to take proactive measures, spurred by the many cities and counties whose examples are demonstrating the many ways to make life better for older adults and those who care for them, and by doing so, strengthening the entire communities in the process."

Key findings of the report include the following:

● Health Care - In one third of communities surveyed, older adults do not have access to a range of needed preventive health care services such as health education, community-based health screenings, and counseling on prescription drug programs.

● Nutrition - 80% of communities have programs providing home-delivered meals for older adults, though only 25% provide nutrition education for seniors.

● Exercise - More than one-third of communities do not have fitness programs for older adults, though 86% report having biking/walking trails.

● Transportation - Many communities are not addressing the mobility needs of an aging population. For example, only 56% of communities reported having "dial a ride" or door-through-door transportation services and only 40% of communities reported having road signage that meets the needs of older drivers.

● Public Safety/Emergency Services - More than 33% of communities do not have a system to locate older adults in case they become ill or wander due to Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia and 70% report that they do not have prevention programs on elder abuse and neglect.

● Housing - Only half the communities reported having home modification programs which adapt the existing homes of older adults to address physical limitations, an important concern since it's known that the vast majority prefer to remain in their own homes as they age.

● Taxation and Finance - Over a third of communities do not provide tax relief for older adults living on limited incomes.

● Workforce Development - Over 40% of communities do not offer formal job training and retraining programs to help older adults remain in the workforce. However 45% of communities reported that discounts were provided at local colleges and universities to older adults interested in taking classes.

● Civic Engagement/Volunteer Opportunities - More than 60% of U.S. communities provide civic engagement/volunteer opportunities, including those for older adults. The vast majority of the opportunities are offered through Senior Corp programs such as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents.

● Aging/Human Services - Although it is expected that aging baby boomers will demand it, many communities do not offer a comprehensive single point of entry for information and access to all aging services.

"The Maturing of America" assessment began in November 2005 with the project's first phase--a survey sent to thousands of local governments. The data was then analyzed to determine the "aging readiness" of America.

The study was designed to address three key preparedness questions:
♦ whether efforts are being made to assess and put into place programs, policies and services that address the needs of older adults and their caregivers;
♦ whether cities and counties can ensure that their communities are "livable" for all ages - not only good places to grow up, but good places to grow old; and
♦ how well equipped an area is to harness the talent, wisdom and experience of older adults to contribute to their community.

A more in-depth survey was then sent to 500 communities whose initial responses indicated a high degree of preparedness.

"The aging of the population will have a dramatic impact on America's cities and counties," said Sibyl Jacobson, president of MetLife Foundation. "This report has something for all of us. It sheds light on how our towns and cities can prepare to handle the aging boom. By taking action now, communities can avoid problems and improve the quality of life for all citizens as well as for older adults."

The full report is available in pdf format by clicking here, and includes "best practices" from communities all across the U.S.

About the Participating Organizations

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. Through its presence in Washington, D.C., n4a advocates on behalf of the local aging agencies to ensure that needed resources and support services are available to older Americans and their caregivers. For more information, go to www.n4a.org.

MetLife Foundation - Established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation has been involved in a variety of aging-related initiatives addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness, health and wellness programs and civic involvement. Since 1986, the Foundation has supported research on Alzheimer's disease through its Awards for Medical Research program and has contributed more than $10 million to efforts to find a cure. More information about the Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.

International City/County Management Association (ICMA) - A professional and educational organization for chief appointed managers, administrators, and assistants in cities, towns, counties, and regional entities throughout the world. For more information, go to www.icma.org.

National Association of Counties (NACo) - A national organization that represents county governments in the United States. For more information, go to www.naco.org.

National League of Cities (NLC) - The largest national organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States. For more information, go to www.nlc.org.

Partners for Livable Communities (PLC) - A national, nonprofit organization working to restore and renew our communities. For more information, go to www.livable.com.

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