This information comes from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), which surveyed thousands of cities and communities across the United States to see how prepared they are for the aging population boom that is expected to peak in 2030, when n4a estimates that one in every five Americans will be over the age of 65.
Survey results led n4a to create a list of 10 best practices to help communities serve an aging population, and n4a identified 10 communities across the U.S. which all found creative ways to meet the needs of their aging populations:
- Five Massachusetts towns (Rockport, Southborough, Newbury, Medway and Swampscott) have a tax reduction/tax work-off program for seniors who volunteer in the community.
- Stratham, NH modified its zoning ordinance to provide an "Affordable Senior Housing" zone without minimum lot sizes. This will encourage the development of smaller structures for "empty nesters."
- Buncombe County, NC launched the "Mountain Mobility Senior Bus" program to encourage public transportation use among the county's growing population of older adults.
- Mansfield, MA maintains emergency medical information files for every senior, as well as an Alzheimer's tracking system.
- Fairfax County, VA changed its home care service delivery system to a cluster care model, which aligns services around “Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities” that serve an aging population within the county's 400 square mile radius.
- Laredo, TX provides its aging population with smaller trash receptacles upon request.
- Peachtree, GA is expanding and improving its multi-use paths, interconnecting all city areas so citizens can get from place to place without a car.
- Maumelle, AR created a Senior Services department to address its aging population’s transportation, educational, social, and recreational needs in a compassionate and efficient manner.
- Scottsdale, AZ created a program that trains teens aged 14-18 to assist low-income seniors or disabled residents with home improvement projects.
- Reno, NV provides transportation and vouchers for low income seniors to use at accredited farmers markets throughout the community. Reno also educates seniors about healthy living choices, in English and Spanish.
