HomeMy WebLinkAbout[05b] Active Aging Report •
CITY OF ST. J OSFPH
www.cityoistjoseph.com
Administrator DATE: March 10, 2015
Judy Weyrens
MEMO TO: Chairperson Wick
Mayor St. Joseph Economic Development Authority
Rick Schultz Administrator Weyrens
Councilors FROM: Cynthia Smith Strack
Matt Killam
Bob Loso RE: Active Aging in St. Joseph
Renee Symanietz
Dale Wick
BACKGROUND
EDA You may recall when discussing the EDA intern description, in addition to facilitating the move of
Doug Danielson the Farmer's Market to the downtown we had also discussed other specific projects with which an
Larry Bosch intern could assist. One such project was centered on an active aging in place effort and included
Gary Osberg the drafting of a report and the rendering of a recommendation as to whether or not a senior
Rick Schultz commission is needed in St. Joseph to address active aging issues. Intern Speltz is beginning to
Dale Wick research the issue with a goal of generating a report to the EDA before then end of her term.
The World Health Organization describes active aging as a process of creating and improving
opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people
age. "Active"refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and civic
affairs—not just the ability to be physically active or remain in their homes.
Active aging is an economic development issue because the ever-enlarging pool of retirees have
sizable amounts of free time and a stable source of disposable income and, as such, are
economic generators. Older people who get out and about positively impact local shops,
restaurants, and educational institutions. Numerous studies indicated older adults tend to spend
their money locally with small businesses. Older people are also notably more often
philanthropists and volunteers within communities. Encore entrepreneurs pursuing personal
passions after finishing a conventional career are a growing phenomenon.
Active aging is not only an economic development issue. Rather, active aging spans several
public/private disciplines and all geographic boundaries. The EDA's role is not envisioned as the
sole participant in creating an age friendly community but rather a champion of such an effort
based on very real economic benefits to the community.
Communities that are'age-friendly' actively address quality of life measures for older persons and
facilitate active aging in place. The American Association of Retired Persons(AARP) has
identified eight domains which influence active aging:
1. Public spaces and buildings need to be usable for older persons: sidewalks usable for
older people(grades, lighting,falling hazards), seating provided in outdoor spaces,
buildings accessible(no heavy doors, no steps).
2. Transportation: if they are driving—lighting and sign reflectivity; if not arrange for services
either public or volunteer/private—coordinate services. Let people know how to access
them.
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3. Housing—not only variety of life cycle housing but programs to help seniors stay in their
own homes.Technology/monitoring, physical changes to home bathrooms, people check
on, home builders/designers making good choices in construction.
4. Social participation: counteract loneliness
5. Respect and social inclusion: Make older people feel they are valued. Opportunities for
intergenerational gatherings and events.Accessible, affordable, and fun.
6. Civic participation and employment: provide ways for older people to work, volunteer, or
participate in community—actively.
7. Communication and information: not everyone has a smart phone, computer, or internet
access. Communicate through a variety of means, not just through technology.
8. Community and Health Services: access to affordable services.
As indicated above, Intern Speltz is beginning to research this issue with a goal of generating a
report to the EDA. She has had interesting conversations with several community members and
has plans for additional outreach.
ACTION
This item is for EDA information only.
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