|
Policy Partnerships for an Aging America
|
In the next 20 years, the number of Americans over the age of 65 will double from 35 to 70 million. Because of healthier lifestyles and modern medicine, older Americans are remaining independent and active longer. And they increasingly want public policies that ensure their continued independence. As a result, government resources and legislation will continue to realign to match this growing population's health, housing, and economic security needs.
The public, private, and non-profit sectors are pooling their expertise, stepping up outreach efforts, and promoting the replication of best-practice models nationwide in order to address this demographic shift successfully. Mobile gyms and testing centers, intergenerational technical training, alternative tax schemes, on-line legal services, alternative cruise ship residences, smart cottages that sense when patients need aid, and complex care demystification guides are but some of the many fruits of these efforts.
Currently, over half of all non-drivers over age 65 have limited transportation options, especially in rural and smaller communities; these restrictions often contribute to lower rates of civic engagement among this population. In response to this problem, the American Public Transportation Association has launched "Easy Rider: Advanced Mobility Needs for Aging Americans" to ensure that the nation's 6,000 transit systems are sharing and promoting lessons learned in transit service delivery. Easy Rider will collect and disseminate materials, case studies, and current initiatives that make public transportation more attractive for seniors, including low-floor vehicles, reduced fares, and flexible bus routes that help seniors arrive at preferred destinations.
In an effort to help seniors choose the optimal insurance plan for their specific health and financial situation, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs' SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program is collaborating with the Social Security Administration's "Extra Help" program to provide comprehensive counseling services to applicants and beneficiaries. Experienced social workers, case managers, and other trained volunteers will assist seniors in navigating the State's Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, and long-term care programs.
In many neighborhoods, environmental hazards, such as poor air and water quality, often trigger health problems, particularly in older adults. To help raise awareness and counteract these negative effects, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun to fund a series of aging initiatives, including a new project at Temple University that trains 15 to 20 motivated and articulate senior citizens to become environmental coaches in schools and environmental stewards in their own neighborhoods. The coaches will help students and other seniors recognize regional environmental risks and teach them how to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from toxicants. |
|
Related IAG Awards
|
Read about these winners of the Innovations in American Government (IAG) Award:
Elderly Services
1992 Winner, Spokane County, WA
Elderly Services provides a multi-faceted approach that integrates mental health into its spectrum of home services. The Gatekeeper program trains community members, such as police officers, librarians, and supermarket employees, who regularly interact with the elderly to link high-risk seniors lacking their own support system to appropriate services. Spokane's Gatekeeper program has been replicated nationwide.
Partnership for Long-Term Care
1994 Winner, Albany, NY
In 1988, the State of New York, in cooperation with the insurance industry, designed a model health care program for the State's 700,000 elderly residents who often deplete their life savings on medical services. Today, Partnership for Long-Term Care continues to provide health insurance and subsidized long-term care through Medicaid to elderly New York residents, protecting participants' assets and enabling insurance policy sales.
ElderCHOICE
1995 Winner, Boston, MA
ElderCHOICE provides long-term mortgage financing to private developers of assisted-living facilities. Through tax-exempt debt, it creates housing options for elderly residents from various income groups, requiring 20 percent of development units to be reserved for low-income households. By facilitating assisted living, the program continues to helps seniors avoid high-cost nursing homes. |
|
Relevant Research
|
The following research examines policy responses to the aging of the U.S. population:
Howell E. Jackson. Center for Business and Government, John F. Kennedy School of Government, 2003.
The Urban Institute, 2002.
William H. Frey. The Brookings Institution Center for Urban and Metropolitan Policy, 1999.
The Urban Institute, 2002. |
|
Upcoming Events
|
Join the following conferences to learn about and share policy innovations that improve the lives of older citizens:
Washington, DC
June 15, 2005
St. Gallen, Switzerland
September 29 - October 1, 2005
Washington, DC
October 23 - 25, 2005 |
|
