Encouraging Lifespan-Friendly Communities

Whether planning for ourselves, our parents, or grandparents, most of us want to live safely, happily, and independently in our homes and communities for as long as possible. This isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a challenge for our entire community. This initiative, supported with gifts to The Fund for the NRV, draws together residents, service providers, government officials and developers to ensure that we can all live safely and independently in our homes as we age.

Home Matters Regional Housing Workshop, 2013.

Understanding the Need

By 2030, the number of NRV residents aged 65+ is expected to double. Nearly 1 in 4 residents in Giles and Pulaski counties will be above age 65.

50% of the region’s housing stock is at least 40 years old and is ill-suited for those with declining mobility.

The percentage of adult children providing personal care and/or financial assistance to a parent has more than tripled over the past 15 years.

Building Lifespan-Friendly Communities

To address these challenges, local leaders have come together to form the Aging in Community leadership team to convene developers, policymakers, citizens, and service providers Through two regional convenings, each with over 100 participants, the Leadership Team developed the Home Matters report and the Aging in Community Action Plan. The Action Plan lists six specific strategies to ensure all adults can successfully age in place:

Conduct a survey of older adults to assess housing needs.

Develop a lifespan friendly homes program to assist with home modifications that enhance accessibility.

Attain Age-Friendly Community Certification demonstrating our commitment to improving the lives of residents regardless of age, disability, or need.

Create an Aging in Place Services Connector with in-person, online, and printed resources and support to navigate available services.

Establish a TimeBank where volunteers can give and receive services and stay connected to their communities.