AIP Report/Publication

The Maturing of America—Communities Moving Forward for an Aging Population was co-released in June 2011 by: National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, MetLife Foundation, International City/County Management Association, American Planning Association, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, and Partners for Livable Communities.

Due to the financial consequences from the Great Recession, many US communities have been unable to make significant progress in preparing to meet the needs of the country’s rapidly aging population. The Maturing of America—Communities Moving Forward for an Aging Population, a follow-up to an extensive survey conducted in 2005, reveals that at best, communities have managed to maintain the status quo for the past six years due to the decline in the overall economy and local government budgets. This report, funded by MetLife Foundation, also reveals that, despite the challenges, important advances have been made including increase in specialized training for emergency and public safety staff in dealing with older adults; growth of in-home supportive services; greater support for advanced education for the workforce; and expanded volunteer opportunities. Even so, with millions of Baby Boomers reaching retirement age, these advancements are nowhere near the level of progress needed to ensure that communities are livable for people of all ages.

Click Here for the Maturing of America II Executive Summary

Click Here for the Maturing of America II Full Report

This document builds on the planning and research efforts that were reported on at the 2010 M. Powell Lawton Conference on Urban Aging and serves as testimony to the agenda's current success. It is intended to outline the reasons behind the initiative, highlight current collaborations, and provide opportunities for new involvement.

Click here to read the report online.

Click here for a printer-friendly version.

"Livable Communities for All Ages" is a thoughtful brochure that reflects years of expertise and findings, as well as resources and case studies, on how all facets of the community can contribute to a more “older adult –friendly” environment. Download here

With the goal of promoting safer and affordable communities, "Livable Communities for All Ages" features a specific guide on which aspects of civic life—whether the local Chamber of Commerce or an individual— can respond to the maturing of America with instructive measures on the benefits of older adult livability adaptations in four areas:

This report documents the Chattanooga Aging in Place Workshop which focused on A Place for Everyone, Building for the Future, Healthy Living, and Lifelong Learning and provides an understanding of the importance of building partnerships towards making successful communities in the 21st century that embrace fairness and equity for all. Click here to download the Report.

This report documents the Wichita Aging in Place Workshop and provides an understanding of the importance of intergenerational experiences for older adults and the community as a whole, along with what steps can be taken to enhance the intergenerational opportunities that older adults have in any community. Click here to download the report.

This report documents the Richmond Metro Area Aging in Place Workshop which focused on engaging community leaders and provides an in-depth understanding of the role that leadership plays in the lives of older adults in the greater Richmond region, as well as the innovative programs and initiatives that are happening across the country on this issue. Click here to download the report.

This report documents the San Antonio Aging in Place Workshop which focused on the topic of Community Design and the Built Environment. Click here to download the report.

This report documents the St. Louis Aging in Place Workshop which focuse don the topic of Universal Design & Accessibility. Click here to download the report.

This report documents the Miami-Dade County Aging in Place Workshop and highlights the kinds of problems and possible solutions that are relevant to transportation planning for seniors everywhere. Click here to download the report.

This report documents the Centralina Aging in Place Workshop and features the central role of transportation and housing in the work of land use planners and designers. Click here to download the report.

This report documents the San Diego Aging in Place Workshop that explored the the topic of lifelong learning. Click here to download the report.

This report documents Chicago Aging in Place Workshop which focused on connecting older adults to culture and the arts in Chicago and in other cities across America. Click here to download the report.

This report documents the Aging in Place Workshop in Kansas City which focused on one of the most critical issues facing older adults—finding affordable and suitable housing options. Click here to download the report.

This report documents the Arizona Aging in Place Workshop which focused on how nonprofit organizations and older adults can equally benefit from Americans’ desire to find meaningful work opportunities after their primary career. Click here to download the report.

This first Aging in Place workshop was hosted by Hillsborough County, Florida, a county constantly being challenged to provide important services to the growing older adult population. The Tampa Bay Region is home to some of the most comprehensive Aging in Place strategies in the country—a fitting fact for a large region with one of the nation’s highest percentage of residents over the age of 65. Click here to Download Report