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Numbers tell the story. In 2007 there were 37.3 million people over the age of 65, accounting for 12.4% of the US population. It is projected by 2030 there will be 71.5 million US citizens over the age of 65 who make up 20% of the total population. Those age 85 and older are the fastest growing segment of the US population. That most older adults are aging at home is evident in the fact that only 5% of the over 65 population is living in home care and nursing care facilities. And most importantly, people are living longer and healthier!

If the 78 million Baby Boomers (always a force to be reckoned with) born between 1946 and 1964 remain true to form as they roar past age 65, they will expect to live in towns, cities and communities that allow them to age in place and provide the support necessary for them to remain independent, active and involved.

Communities that future elders call "home" who are looking ahead and planning for the coming Age Wave will be well positioned to offer this unique cohort an optimal quality of life. In return elders, who are able to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible will give back to the community far more than they receive.
The Age Wave Tool Kit: The Age Wave Tool Kit enables a community to take a good hard look at the existing overall built indoor and outdoor environment and put together a comprehensive step-by-step plan to create a community that provides elders the opportunity to truly age in place. The Age Wave Tool Kit includes the following:

Presentations
A visualization tool used to educate the community and bring important stake holders up to speed on the current and future age related needs the area will face. This includes and is not limited to the following concepts:


* Not your grandparents retirement plan any longer – how aging has changed, people living longer, etc. * The numbers tell the story – 78 million older adults, aka Baby Boomers * Current housing options – NORC’s, Co-housing, CCRC’s, Assisted Living, etc. * Examples of positive features – sidewalks, seating, transportation, etc. * Aging in place – the popular option – housing needs, UD, In-law suites * Community needs – setting up an action plan to prepare for the Boomers, ordinances, social services, socialization, etc. * Anticipating (predicting) the needs of an aging population – looking into the crystal ball


Charrette:
A collaborative workshop in which stake holders meet to generate age appropriate solutions for the community while integrating the knowledge, value and interests of a broad group of people. The purpose is to help to educate and involve members of the community while establishing a foundation for the development of a comprehensive strategic plan. Facilitators lead the group though the evaluation of the following topics:
o Normal age related changes o Issues/needs related to aging in place o Quality of life issues o Current and pending demographics o Community S.W.O.T. identification o Building community consensus o Visioning future community image o Steps to bring the vision to life


Community Livability Assessment for Seniors – C.L.A.S.
Assist communities in planning for an aging population. The following aspects of a community are considered in assessing a locale’s ability help older adults age in place:
* Demographic evaluation – current and projected * Public and private transportation * Public spaces – parks, open space and natural areas * Housing – single family, multi-family, and senior options * Accessibility of services – grocery, government, legal, etc. * Healthcare options – hospitals, acute care and other primary care facilities * Culture – Theater, library, museums and other activities * Education – Adult continuing education courses and programs * Socialization – Dining, entertainment and other venues * Fitness – Public parks and recreational facilities and private options * Spirituality – Places of worship and related opportunities * Infrastructure – Sidewalks, signage, lighting, etc. * Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Using satellite data to visually represent information * Community – Involving diverse groups to volunteer in local non-profit organizations