Innovators in Four Locations to Hold Discussions on Aging in Place throughout June With Grants Available for Innovative Community Ideas
Published 06-09-09
Submitted by MetLife Foundation
WASHINGTON, June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of a national movement to promote "Aging in Place" initiatives, four communities in America will be hosting workshops throughout the month of June, bringing local experts together for discussions aimed at helping older Americans remain in their communities.
Attendees also will learn how to apply for "JumpStart the Conversation" grants designed to help local organizations bring innovative ideas to life. The workshops are sponsored by MetLife Foundation, Partners for Livable Communities (Partners), and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).
The events taking place during the month of June include:
According to the 2006 survey, "The Maturing of America -- Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population," a report led by n4a, Partners, the International City-County Management Association, the National 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:
MetLife Foundation -- Established in 1976 by MetLife for the purpose of supporting education, health, civic and cultural organizations. In aging, MetLife funds programs that support healthy aging and address caregiving issues, intergenerational activities, mental fitness and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.metlife.org.
Partners for Livable Communities (Partners) -- A national, nonprofit organization working to renew communities for all ages. For more information, visit www.livable.com.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) -- A leading voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging across the country and a champion for Title VI Native American aging programs in our nation's capital. For more information, visit www.n4a.org.
For more information on Aging in Place initiatives, upcoming workshops, and "JumpStart" grant recipients, visit www.aginginplaceinitiative.org
MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $15 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs, including $10 million through the Awards for Medical Research program. Working with the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation has supported caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program, which addresses the problem of senior wandering. The Foundation has expanded its focus on aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and remaining engaged in the community. It also supports programs addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities and volunteer opportunities. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. More information about MetLife Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.
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