A Wake Up Call For Aging Communities

How prepared are America's communities to handle the needs of the burgeoning aging population? With the rapid rise in the number of aging Baby Boomers, by 2030 one in every five Americans will be over the age of 65. And in many communities across America, that is already the case.

Now a new tool has been developed to allows cities to prepare themselves for this 'aging tsunami'.

The comprehensive Blueprint for Action provides communities with detailed procedures and practical solutions in the areas of housing, planning and zoning, transportation, health and supportive services, public safety and civic engagement. It suggests that every area of local government has a role to play in creating livable communities for people of all ages, and draws on the most innovative and effective practices of communities throughout the country to illustrate what can be done. In addition, the Blueprint recommends that local leaders should advance "aging in place" priorities by adding a perspective on aging to all plans, programs, and policies that exist or are under development.

Thanks to Irene Garnett