1. Strategic Planning for an Aging Community Building on Assets, Addressing Needs Paula Dressel, Ph.D.

2. Paula Dressel, Vice President JustPartners, Inc., Baltimore, MD How to think broadly about strategic planning for aging communities What such planning looks like using both assets- and needs-based approaches How the approaches together create pathways for innovation in growing-demand, but financially-constrained communities

3. Key Points Elders’ needs are fairly predictable, but the magnitude of those needs, and how/who best to meet them, varies across places. Government alone can’t make places elder-friendly, so look beyond government for data, programs, resources. Think of strategic planning for an aging community as a way to mobilize new allies. Together with a needs assessment, assets-based information- gathering beyond the “usual suspects” can spawn innovation.

4. Cases from two places Frederick County, MD Alexandria, VA

5. Two different places, yet similar elder aspirations to… Age in place Have ready access to responsive, long-term community-based services and supports & good geriatric care Live as independently as possible Enjoy the community’s amenities

6. Differing scales of growth… Growth in Population 60+, 2010-2030

7. Differing scales of place…

8. Scan of needs: data The usual suspects: State Office on Aging Strategic Plan Area Agency on Aging data Local offices and strategic plans of Planning, Community Development, Transportation, Human Services Don’t overlook: Local offices of Labor/Employment, Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources/ Environment Sources that identify the needs of other generations, specific ethnic groups Town halls, focus groups, online surveys

9. Scan of assets: beyond government services, programs Older residents themselves Volunteer services Nonprofits, agencies serving other generations, specific ethnic groups Local educational institutions Chambers of commerce, local business organizations Faith institutions, interfaith alliances

10. Illustrative opportunities: outside the box… Local community college & AAA collaborate to enhance pipeline for CNAs Local businesses develop new products and services that enable aging in place Institutional meals programs utilize Community-Supported Agriculture Older volunteers address community needs

11. Options for developing a Strategic Plan on Aging… Do-It-Yourself Enlist a consultant Combine these E.g., consultant for town halls, focus groups, surveys In-house staff, with available time, tools, resources Turn-key process and product with local input, if funds available

12. Questions/Comments? Contact: pdressel@justpartners.org www.viablefuturescenter.org