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Center for Age-Friendly Communities

Background

Seniors chatting in living room

We live in a time of profound and permanent change in how our communities are evolving, attributable to aging Boomers (and aging-out Traditionals). It is projected that the 65+ population will grow more rapidly than any other age group. In Idaho, citizens over the age of 65 years will account for 34.4% of the total growth in the state’s population (Betsy Russell, Spokesman Review, June 1, 2017). This project was inspired by initiatives launched by AARP Idaho, the World Health Organization, and evaluations undertaken by the Center for the Study of Aging (City of Boise Assessment, 2015).

Grandmother and Granddaughter

 

Age-Friendly Communities Defined

Consistent with how AARP defines livability, age-friendly communities are those that are safe and secure; noted for having available, affordable, and appropriate housing; served by multiple transportation options; offer supportive programs and services that enhance individual health, personal independence, and foster engagement in civic, economic, political, and social activities; … all of which attributes allow residents to age in place.

Mission

The purpose of the Center for Age-Friendly Communities is – in collaboration with AARP Idaho – to promote the evolution of Idaho communities through various activities aimed at informing, empowering, and engaging stakeholders in the pursuit of realizing their livability potential to accommodate residents of all ages.

Strategic Objectives

  • To help community leaders and key stakeholders understand that:
    1. Livability is a realistic pathway to ensuring that all residents can age in place, and that
    2. This same process is developmental and stepwise in nature.
  • To assist community leaders and stakeholders in the comprehensive assessment of their livability status as an important first step to maximizing potential as an age-friendly community.
  • To stand as a conduit to resources that can be applied in helping to make communities great places for residents of all ages through careful planning to maximize livability.
  • To serve as a research platform in validating best practices en route to achieving livability potential. 

Contact Information

Dr. Tom Trotter, Affiliate Faculty for the Center for the Study of Aging
Email: thomastrotter@boisestate.edu