September 21, 2018 | Healthy lifestyles, Senior living
Like many urban areas across the globe, San Diego County has a rapidly growing population of older adults. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2030 adults over the age of 65 will represent 21% of our county’s population, compared to 13% right now.
How is our community preparing to meet the needs of older adults in the years to come?
In 2016, the County Board of Supervisors decided to join forces with AARP’s network of Age-Friendly communities as well as with the Dementia Friendly America Network to develop a vision for healthy aging in San Diego. This began a five year process of collaboration among consumers, professionals serving older adults, and county employees to build an Age Well San Diego Action Plan. With the planning phase now complete, the county and its community partners are beginning the implementation of the plan.
San Diego County’s Age Well Action Plan centers on five important themes affecting the lives of older adults in our area:
- Health and Community Support
- Housing
- Social Participation
- Transportation
- Dementia-Friendly
Specific goals have been set within each theme area. For example, a goal in the area of social participation is to create policies that facilitate inter-generational engagement, i.e. bringing kids, adults and seniors together. Another goal, this one in the area of health and community support, is to encourage the development of village-like community support systems.
How can you get involved? Read the San Diego County Age Well Action Plan, think about the issues that are most important to you, and then join a “theme team” to participate in the goal implementation process. All members of our community are encouraged to get involved. To get a print copy of the Age Well Action Plan, or to learn more about volunteering, call 858-495-5500 or e-mail christina.patch@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Windward Life Care’s team members are actively engaged in the San Diego aging community and can link you with resources to enhance your safety and quality of life. Contact us if you have questions or need help creating a plan for your well-being.