Communities In Flux

Communities throughout the country are changing—and aging. Today, the number of people age 65 and older is increasing significantly across the United States. Indeed, those age 85+ are the fastest growing segment of our population. By 2030, one out of five people in America will be over 65.

As they grow older, the overwhelming majority of Americans will remain in their own homes and communities. In fact, contrary to the popular perception of older adults’ relocating to retirement communities, people aged 65-85 are the least likely of any age group to move.

The rapidly growing number of older people who are "aging in place" will present new opportunities and challenges to local communities. Communities will have a larger population of vital, independent older residents who can be a source of substantial civic, social, and financial "capital". They can serve as volunteers and activists, board members and elected officials, funders and community leaders. Communities may also have to provide services to an increasing number of frail and disabled older adults, some of whom have significant health care, housing, transportation, and other needs.

The AdvantAge Initiative is a community-building effort focused on creating vibrant and elder-friendly, or "AdvantAged," communities that are prepared to meet the needs and nurture the aspirations of older adults.

At the heart of the AdvantAge Initiative is a comprehensive survey of community-residing older adults. Consumer-derived information is integral to this project because it:

	Complements the "top-down" perspectives of institutions and professionals
	May challenge organizational and individual assumptions
	Enables stakeholders to hear a range of community voices, engages citizens in a dialogue about aging issues, and builds support for action plans

The AdvantAge Initiative survey provides a "data snapshot" of how well seniors are currently faring in their communities. Local groups then use these survey data to help build broader awareness about aging, inform service and other planning efforts, and spur needed community-wide action in the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors.

The AdvantAge Initiative survey focuses on four key areas, or domains, where communities can make a difference in the lives of older people:

	Basic needs for housing and security
	Maintenance of physical and mental health
	Independence for the frail, disabled, and homebound
	Opportunities for social and civic engagement

Through the AdvantAge Initiative, communities strive to become better places to live, not only for older adults, but also for people of all ages.