Elder Friendly

Communities

By 2020, there will be 1 million people 100 years of age and older.

By 2030 the 65 and older population in the United States is expected to reach 70 million persons, twice their number in the year 2000.

By 2030, older adults will grow from 12.4% of the population to 20%

The number of Americans aged 85 and over is expected to increase from 1.5% of the total population in 2000 to 3.8% in 2040. This population will be the most frail, and require the most medical intervention and services.

- (US Health and Human Services, 2001)

Fast Facts………..

Northern states have significant percentages of population over age 65.

Only 4% of older adults move out of state at retirement time. There is a growing number of individuals age 85 and over who return “home” from warmer climates when their health declines. “Rural rebound” impacts communities’ abilities to respond effectively to the needs of older adults.

More fast facts…………

US/Michigan Seniors aged 65+(2000 census)

Change is in the airChange is in the air

80% of retirees are vital, independent older residents who can be a source of civic, social and financial capital. They can serve as volunteers and activists, board members and elected officials, funders and community leaders.

“The ability to move about the community, maintain a home, have access to goods and services, and retain strong social ties, is directly impacted by planning and community design decisions. Sound community planning can enhance the quality of life for older persons.”

(Marcus Molea, Planning, Development & Evaluation Chief, Ohio Department of Aging, 2003)

Essentials of an Elder Friendly Community

Address basic needs

Optimize physical and mental health and well-being

Maximize independence

Promote social and civic engagement

Prevention Early detection

Behavior change/self-management

Chronic disease Mental health

Substance abuse

Access to Care

Environmental Health

Elder Friendly Communities

Transportation Issues

Housing Choices

Safe places to walk and bike

Biology

Other conditions

conditions

Short and long term care choices

Op

po

rtun

ity for

social

capital

Inter-generational

activities

Safe and accessible food choices

Resources are easily accessible and used Volunteer and work

opportunities

Lifestyle choices

Elder Friendly Communities

Access to Healthy Food Farmers markets Community gardens Large grocery stores Smaller speciality stores Opportunities for nutrition education Home delivered meals Congregate meal sites Easy access point for applying for assistance

Safe

Is the environment safe?--sidewalks, snow removal, curb cuts, pedestrian friendly intersections, outdoor lighting?

Is it convenient to walk or bike to where you want to go? Are there parks and other facilities to get physical activity

that are well-lighted and have “friendly” surfaces? Is community policing in effect?

High level of personal safety The community values personal safety

Opportunity for Physical Activity

Are there a variety of PA opportunities?Green spaces, trails, gyms, pools, golf courses, etc?

Are there opportunities within senior housing complexes?

Are there opportunities for all levels and all abilities?

Are the facilities/opportunities easy to get to?

Further info: http://www.michiganfitness.org (Active Community Environments)INTERSECTION Audit Tool & Protocol

Access to Medical Care/Choices

Does the community have enough medical care providers/facilities? Every community may not need a hospital but seniors want to be confident they can

meet medical needs now and into the near future--specialists, specialty care centers--is there a referral service to help persons locate medical care?

--is the emergency response system state of the art? --does the community have enough pharmacies?

Are there choices in short/long term care, home care, and are the “facts” easy to find?

Are there SPE’s, information and referral services, or “211” services that have a specialty area of seniors and the disabled?

Social Capital/Civic Engagement

Are there opportunities for seniors/disabled to get involved in community organization/government?--planning boards, charitable organizations, boards of directors, etc.

Are there opportunities for lifelong learning? Are there religious/spiritual choices? Are there congregate meal sites? Are there opportunities for intergenerational activities? And, does the community recognize the value

of seniors and treats them respectfully and appreciatively?

Michigan “Certified Elder Michigan “Certified Elder Friendly Communities”Friendly Communities”

Certified by:Certified by:

Michigan Commission on Michigan Commission on Services to the AgingServices to the Aging

In cooperation withIn cooperation with

MichiganMichiganVital Aging Think TankVital Aging Think Tank

Supported bySupported byMSU ExtensionMSU Extension

MI Office of Services to the MI Office of Services to the AgingAging

What Are We Doing In Michigan to Promote Elder Friendly/Livable Communities?

Certified Elder Friendly Certified Elder Friendly CommunityCommunity Process for establishing and maintaining the leadership

support needed to be an “Elder Friendly Community” Process for applying for and becoming certified as an “Elder

Friendly Community” Promotion/marketing for “Elder Friendly Communities” “Elder Friendly Community” Toolkit Training for community leaders on the impacts and

opportunities of aging populations Training in survival skills for community seniors Working on funding for local “Elder Friendly Community

Coordinator” positions

Thank you!Thank you!

For more information, please contact:

Sherri KingHealth and Wellness SpecialistMichigan Office of Services to the Aging517-373-4064kings1@michigan.gov