Regionally and nationally, people are living longer.

Municipalities are witnessing what is likely to be a long-lasting structural shift in their demographics. By 2030, nearly 20% of the population will be older than 65. By 2035, adults over 65 will outnumber children under 18. By 2050, there will be more than 1 million Americans older than 100.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need to engage with older adults, reduce their levels of isolation, and connect them with others in the community. As communities diversify in age, they face issues and opportunities that can include:

  • Homeowners aging in their houses, which may no longer be appropriate for their needs, and having few available options to downsize;
  • Residents lacking transportation options to run errands, get groceries, or go to the doctor;
  • Residents stuck at home without broadband or a connection to their community;
  • Services and facilities not designed for the growing share of older residents.

Aging in a Changing Region | Free Customized Strategic & Technical Assistance for Municipalities

In response to the growing interest from municipalities to support aging-in-community, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus developed Aging in a Changing Region in partnership with Planning/Aging and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. This initiative is funded by the Retirement Research Foundation for Aging and designed with input from local leaders in the Caucus’ Age-Friendly Communities Collaborative. The objectives are to help municipalities place an aging lens on top of local operations, add capacity to implement new initiatives, and receive technical assistance for policy change.

The first part of this initiative is currently underway. In March 2021, twenty communities applied for FREE tailored workshop assistance through Aging in a Changing Region. Led by Planning/Aging, these workshops will help municipalities prioritize aging-in-community strategies and actionable first steps. Available funding for 2021-2022 will cover workshop assistance for ten communities.

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of Aging in a Changing Region communities:

  • Village of Bensenville
  • Calumet City
  • Village of Mount Prospect
  • Village of Hawthorn Woods
  • Village of Park Forest

The Aging in a Changing Region initiative is generously supported by RRF Foundation for Aging, and participation is free for communities. To learn more about the program, please contact Kyle Smith, ksmith@mayorscaucus.org.