Lifelong Communities

Last modified Thursday, July 31, 2008 15:47

Atlanta Region's Response to Demographic Shift

The older adult population in the Atlanta region is growing at a tremendous rate. Most individuals over 60 have lived in the region for at least 3 decades and plan to stay for many more. But our cities, counties and neighborhoods are not designed for an aging population. We do not have the housing options, the transportation services and the amenities and services that facilitate active living and maximize independence.        

ARC is working with partners throughout the region to transform cities, counties and neighborhoods into Lifelong Communities. Lifelong Communities are places where individuals can live throughout their lifetime; they provide a full range of options to residents, insuring a high quality of life for all.    

Lifelong Communities work to achieve three major goals:

• Promoting Housing and Transportation Options
• Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles
• Expanding Information and Access to Services

More Information about the Lifelong Communities project (PDF) and the Lifelong Communities Framework (PDF)

Lifelong Communities Process

ARC is committed to a process that will transform the region from the bottom up. Rather than create one regional plan that local communities implement, professionals with a wide range of expertise, older adults and caregivers form local county based partnerships. These community groups then analyze the local data, challenges and opportunities; identify priorities and implement strategies. How the Lifelong Communities Process works (PDF)

Communities throughout the region are throwing out old ideas, overcoming long standing obstacles and putting out of the box solutions to the test. To check out some of their ideas and strategies see Lifelong Communities Solutions and Strategies (PDF)

Understanding the local impact of the growing aging population is a critical first step in helping communities prepare. ARC uses the latest demographic data and forecasts to work with communities to understand the local impacts of the aging population.  For the results of a recent survey of the region’s 55+ population and the latest census data see: Demographic Data.