Happy 65th birthday, 78 million boomers! Just 20 more years until you’re 85! And what of it?
Today, Philadelphia has the highest proportion of people age 60+, with more than half minority or foreign-born. And, New York City’s older population is going to soar by almost 50% in the next 25 years. AARP research shows that 89% of older Americans want to stay put.
Cities like Philly and NYC are scrambling to find ways to make it easier for older Americans to age in their communities (the lingo is “age in place”). This means good public transportation when driving no longer works, plenty of walking routes, access to parks and stores, and opportunities to participate in the community.
“Age-friendy cities” and “livable communities” are the new buzzwords you need to know. In fact, there are 300 livable community efforts nationwide that include creative partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies, businesses, nonprofits, academia, and experts to make their city hospitable to the old and frail (as well as all ages, naturally).
It makes fiscal sense to care: people live in places that address their needs.
I interviewed experts from New York City, Atlanta, and Philly who are creating age-friendly environments. These include changing zoning codes to mix commercial and residential so people can shop wherer they live, and getting businesses to think older with chairs to rest and bigger signage, the better to see, my dear.
Take a look at what these cities are doing. http://aarp.us/qOJ59D
