File #: 17-450    Version: 1
Type: Informational Report Status: Filed
In control: City Council
On agenda: 9/25/2017 Final action: 9/25/2017
Title: Center 50+ Advisory Commission Age-Friendly Initiative Ward(s): All Wards Councilor(s): All Councilors Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Related files:

TO:                      Mayor and City Council   

THROUGH:                      Steve Powers, City Manager   

FROM:                      Peter Fernandez, PE, Public Works Director  

                                          

SUBJECT:

title

 

Center 50+ Advisory Commission Age-Friendly Initiative 

 

Ward(s): All Wards    

Councilor(s): All Councilors    

Neighborhood(s):  All Neighborhoods    

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ISSUE:

 

Center 50+ Advisory Commission Age-Friendly Initiative 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

recommendation

 

Information only.    

 

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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) started Age-Friendly Communities Initiative in June 2005.  WHO realized that communities need to prepare for the rapid aging of our population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic, and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. By doing so, these communities are better equipped to become great places and lifelong homes for people of all ages.

 

In March 2017, the Center 50+ Advisory Commission petitioned the American Association of Retired Persons in Oregon (AARP Oregon) and World Health Foundation to join the Age-Friendly Network.  The support and resources from these organizations provide the framework for the Age-Friendly Initiative and the assessment tool used to evaluate the City of Salem as an Age-Friendly Community.

 

Bandana Shrestha from AARP Oregon will be attending the City Council meeting to present a certificate to the Mayor and City Council recognizing the official launch of this endeavor and to welcome Salem as a member of the Age-Friendly Communities Network. 

 

 

FACTS AND FINDINGS:

 

In Salem the number of residents aged 65 and older increased nearly three percent from 2010 to 2015 and is 16.4 percent of the total population. With 7,100 people turning 65 each day in the United States, Salem will see a continued annual increase of those age 65 and older for many years to come.

 

WHO has identified eight domains of livability that influence the quality of life for all residents:

 

                     Outdoor Spaces and Buildings

                     Transportation

                     Housing

                     Social Participation

                     Respect and Social Inclusion

                     Civic Participation and Employment

                     Communication and Information

                     Community Support and Health Services

 

Center 50+ is in the process of convening a City of Salem Age-Friendly Planning Team.  The group will be diverse and include non-profit providers, policy makers, funding agencies, academia, and city, county, and state representatives. The purpose of the group is to ensure that the community’s aging members have the resources to be healthy, independent, and integrated into the community life, for their entire life.

 

Center 50+ Advisory Commission will convene the Age-Friendly Initiative Planning Team on September 26, 2017, made up of community agency partners and senior advocates, to begin a one-year review of Salem as an Age-Friendly Community.

 

   

 

                     Alicia Blalock    

                     Administration Division Manager