How Prepared are America's Communities to Handle the A...(onal Association of Counties and the Nat...),Health

Date:6/9/2009

onal Association of Counties, and the National League of Cities and funded by MetLife Foundation, only 46% of American communities have begun planning to address the needs of the exploding population of aging Baby Boomers. The first Boomers reached age 60 in 2006 and will be 65 in 2011. This rapidly aging population will hit its peak in 2030 when the number of people over age 65 in the United States will soar to 71.5 million, double the figure for 2000, or one in every five Americans.

"This is both a challenge and an opportunity to make our communities better places for all age groups," said Sandy Markwood, CEO of n4a. "The efforts taking place in these regions are models for others across the country."

"JumpStart the Conversation" grants allow area organizations to take local action on Aging in Place initiatives. In each region holding workshops, nine grants of $1,000 and one grant of $2,500 will be awarded to support innovative ideas tailored to the community. Although applicants do not have to attend to be eligible for a grant, the workshops are meant to be a catalyst for action and to stimulate participants to begin considering their community's specific needs. The deadline for submission of grant applications will be two weeks following each event.

"Through the workshop and grant opportunities, communities will gain a renewed sense of urgency when it comes to considering community livability for all ages," said Robert McNulty, president of Partners. "We're looking to bring together an energized group of organizations and individuals in order to face the challenges that accompany this time of change."

Previous workshops have taken place in Tampa Bay, Phoenix, Kansas City, Chicago, San Diego, Charlotte, Miami, and most recently, in St. Louis. They have resulted in grant awards for such innovative projects as:

• La Mesa Park and Recrea
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SOURCE MetLife Foundation Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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