Communities for a Lifetime

Communities for a Lifetime

• Communities for a Lifetime is Governor Jeb Bush’s statewide initiative that assists Florida cities, towns and counties in:

• Evaluating current conditions
• Planning for the future
• Implementing improvements

• Benefits all residents, young and old

How Do Communities Achieve Benefits?

• Communities engage in continuous self-assessment and improvement

• Inventory opportunities for people to age in place

• Increased awareness of contributions of older population

Why Is Initiative Needed?

• Florida’s demographics are changing.

• In 2010 the baby boomers start turning 65.

• An opportunity to build better communities.

History of the Initiative

• Began as Elder Ready Communities

• Transitioned to Communities for a Lifetime

• Grown into two categories

• Recruitment
• Nurturing participating communities

Cities, Towns and Counties

What Is the Process?

• Community commitment

• Proclamation or resolution by local government

• Task force assembly

• Self-assessment and inventory of opportunities and programs

• Prioritize needs

• Make improvements

Physical Spaces

• Accessibility

• Universal design
• Easily modified

• Housing

• Appropriate living arrangements

• Shopping

• Accessibility and parking

Transportation

• Accessibility

• Accessible to residents at all levels of independence

• Driving

• Self-assessment of driving health

• Public Mass Transit

• Private Transportation

• Walking

• Out-of-Town Travel

Efficiently planned communities

• Efficiently planned communities

• Mixed use developments
• NORCs (naturally occurring retirement communities)

• Parks and green space

• “Green” building

• Reduces environmental impact
• Energy efficient

Community Development

• Business Partnerships

• Public/private partnerships
• Collaboration benefits entire community

• Friendly Businesses

• Needs and preferences of older customers
• Can be part of safety net

• Employment Opportunities

• Personal preference or economic necessity
• experience, knowledge, and a strong work ethic

• Volunteerism

• Meaningful volunteer work

• Safety

• Fire and police departments trained
• S.A.L.T. Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together)

Health

• Physical

• Promote wellness
• Maximize quality of life
• Exercise and fitness

• Medical Services

• Medicare providers
• Access to many doctors
• Geriatricians
• Eye/dental care
• Medication management
• Medical equipment
• Alzheimer’s services
• Adult adult day health care centers

Education

• Lifelong Learning

• Senior centers
• Vocational schools
• Colleges and universities
• Museums
• Library
• Computer classes

• Health and Wellness Education

• Health fairs/education events

Cultural and Social Opportunities

• Recreation

• Parks, theaters, libraries, museums, sporting events
• Swimming pool, public golf courses, tennis courts, bowling facilities

• Spiritual

• Support to caregivers
• Visitation programs
• Easy access

Who Is on the Task Force?

• Aging network partners
• Recreational opportunities
• Senior volunteer and employment
• Accessibility services
• Financial/insurance/legal counseling
• Mental health providers
• Non-medical services
• Social Security
• Support groups
• Lifelong learning opportunities
• Adult education
• Community college
• Extension office
• Library services
• Planning department
• Local media

Collaboration

• Prepare for aging population

• Increase public awareness

• Support seniors and caregivers

• Benefit people of all ages