Worldwide, the percentage of adults over age 65 is expected to double—from seven to 14 percent of the total—by the year 2040.
The aging population boom will put tremendous stress on the resources and services that communities provide for older adults. These articles offer tips and information about how individuals and communities can plan for an aging population, and what some communities are already doing to meet the coming challenges.
- Why American Communities Are Not Prepared for an Aging Population
When communities across the US were polled about the services they offer older adults and the programs in place to serve our aging population in the future, many fell short. Here’s a list of what communities need to consider when planning growth and services to meet the needs of seniors now and in the future. - 10 Ways Communities Can Prepare for the Aging Population Boom
What are the 10 most important issues that communities should consider as they plan for our aging population? These 10 “best practices” have been developed to help communities serve their older adult populations and enable them to reduce stress, increase community involvement and live healthier, happier lives. - 10 Great Examples for Communities to Serve an Aging Population
Ten communities across the US have been recognized as having “smart growth” ideas to serve their aging populations. These cities and towns set examples for other communities to follow in preparing for the aging population boom. - Aging Population: Seniors are Fastest Growing Population Worldwide
As seniors become the fastest growing population in the US and around the world, local and national government agencies—and individuals—face the challenges of health care, housing, employment, and other national issues that are important to an aging population. But it’s not all bad—learn how the aging of our population offers seniors the opportunity to shape government policy and how we view old age. - EPA Tackles Healthy Aging for Older Adults
Learn about a national healthy aging program that’s not just for individuals. This program encourages healthy aging in communities by using smart growth planning. The program also recognizes communities that support healthy aging in older adults. - EPA Guidebook Encourages Smart Community Design, Healthier Living for Seniors
This free guidebook from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers tips and resources to help older adults and community leaders prepare for the aging population boom by creating “age-friendly” neighborhoods and town designs that are healthier for people and the environment.