HomeMy WebLinkAbout20120716 - Presentation
Dakota County Communities for a Lifetime (CFL) Initiative What makes a Community for a Lifetime? • Simply put—a good place to grow up and grow older • A community for people of all ages
and abilities that support health and vitality • Access to grocery stores, clinics, shops, and cultural activities • Walkable neighborhoods, with sidewalks and paths for exercise • A
full range of affordable housing options as needs change: single family homes, apartments, condos, which are near transportation, amenities/services, and parks • Flexible and supportive
employment and volunteer opportunities, such as intergenerational activities • Effective technology to help and connect people Dakota County Demographics for 65+ • From 2010 to 2020,
the number of people 65+ is projected to increase by 67%. • In 2010, 39,816 people were 65+, 10% of the population. • In 2030, it is projected that people 65+ will make up 20% of the
population. As Boomers Age • 2011 marked the beginning of the first cohort of Boomers turning age 65. 65. • 10,000 Boomers a day will turn 65 and the trend will continue for the next
20 years. • Nationally, 1 in 5 people will be age 65 and older in 2030; in MN, it will be closer to 1 in 4 • The number of individuals age 85 and over will triple. • By 2020 in MN there
will be more people over the age of 65 than in elementary, middle and high schools combined. • 24% of Minnesota Boomers (441,000 people out of 1.8 million) may not have sufficient resources
to cover their long term care expenses. • Boomers have very different expectations from their parent’s generation in terms of work, housing, activities, and the services they desire.
Contact Jess Luce to learn more about Dakota County’s Communities for a Lifetime Initiative, jess.luce@co.dakota.mn.us, 651-554-6104.
Issues Key Challenges Action Steps Housing Affordable housing options are limited. Encourage development of full range of housing options (apts., condos – single level units). Housing
“Peter Pan Housing” – home and building design is tailored to narrow range of physical abilities. • Institute home modification and repair programs • Encourage universal design, “visitability”
in new housing Housing Housing and services are not coordinated. Build partnerships with housing and service providers. Planning & Zoning Lack of public support for community design
that supports aging in place/community. Engage Boomers/older adults in planning process (asset mapping); create focus groups. Planning & Zoning Zoning regulations discourage a broad
range of age-appropriate housing options. Incorporate accessory dwelling units; update zoning codes. Transportation Road design makes walking difficult. Use walkability audits to identify
and prioritize pedestrian improvements. Transportation Many older drivers experience specific specific difficulties related to the driving environment. • Improve signage and road design.
• Provide safety programs and driving refresher courses (ex. Car Fit). Transportation Customer-oriented community transportation options are lacking. • Make transit more flexible and
responsive. • Support volunteer driver programs. • Support a circulator bus model. Health & Supportive Services Community information on available services is dispersed across agencies
and providers. • Promote DARTS hotline, One Stop/Senior LinkAge Line, www.MinnesotaHelp.info • Create an (online; easily updated, printable) directory of local service providers Health
& Supportive Services Home-based services are often provided piecemeal. Encourage providers to integrate home-based services. Health & Supportive Services Lack of transportation to hospitals,
doctors’ offices affects access to health care. Improve access to medical transportation. Cultures & Lifelong Learning Few arts and cultural programs are offered to older adults. Provide
opportunities for intergenerational learning around arts and cultural activities. Cultures & Lifelong Learning Few opportunities for older adults to stay up-to-date on technology. Increase
technology trainings (ex., classes pairing older adults and youth). Strengthen Neighborhoods & Public Safety Connections and safety could be improved in some neighborhoods. • Encourage
Neighborhood Watch programs. • Create Neighbor to Neighbor networks to strengthen connections and support. Civic Engagement Opportunities Civic engagement options are limited in many
communities. Provide more options; community education classes in schools, and programs linking older adults and youth.
*Adapted from: A Blueprint for Action: Developing a Livable Community for All Ages