by Cherie Duvall

Though many communities have programs to address the needs of older adults, few have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of what it would take to make their community ?elder friendly,? according to a report released last week.

?The Maturing of America: Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population? report, led by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and funded by MetLife Foundation, finds that 46 percent of American communities have already started addressing the needs of the exploding population of aging baby boomers ? also referred to as ?the silver tsunami.?  As the baby boom generation ? born between 1946 and 1964 ? rapidly approaches retirement age, all communities will need to address these issues.

?Though there are many positive findings, this report is a wake-up call,? said Sandy Markwood, CEO, n4a. ?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 community in the process.?

The report also highlights initiatives that have displayed exemplary success in aiding older adults. The communities showcased include Reno, Nev., a jurisdiction that provides eligible low-income seniors with vouchers to buy nutritious foods as part of its Senior Farmers? Market Nutrition Program; Buncombe County, N.C., a county that launched the Mountain Mobility transportation program that provides several mobility options to older adults; and Rockport, Mass., a community that offers housing choices for older adults with a variety of needs, including an elderly/disabled subsidized housing facility.

?The examples of cities and counties featured in the survey demonstrate that communities are recognizing this profound demographic change and are taking action to reflect the needs of the aging population in the programs and services they provide,? said NLC Executive Director Donald J. Borut. 

The survey was conducted through a partnership with n4a, NLC, the International City/County Management Association, the National Association of Counties and Partners for Livable Communities.

The maturing of America assessment began last November when a survey was sent to thousands of local governments. The study was designed to address three key preparedness matters: whether efforts are being made to assess and put programs into place, policies and services that address the needs of older adults and their caregivers, and whether cities and counties can ensure that their communities are ?livable? for all ages. A more in-depth survey was then sent to 500 communities whose initial responses indicated a high degree of preparedness.

The purpose of this study goes hand in hand with NLC?s Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities. The program encourages municipalities to raise awareness and address problems affecting members of the community ? such as the elderly ? who feel excluded.

Details: To download the full report, go to www.n4a.org. To learn more about NLC?s inclusive communities partnership, visit www.nlc.org.