06-12-07 Item 51
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e
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING
THE FLORIDA ]DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS'
COMMUNITIES FOR A LIFETIME INITIATIVE; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, The City of South Miami supports the Florida Department of Elder
Affairs' Communities for a Lifetime initiative to make Florida a friendlier place to live for
people of all ages, that they may be as independent as long as possible, and remain in
their homes and in the communities they love; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida has the highest percentage of elders of any state
in the nation and our elder population will continue to increase, reaching numbers
without precedent in the first part of the XXI Century; and
WHEREAS, for this reason the Florida Department of Elder Affairs is working to
remove barriers by creating universal standards into their planning and funding processes
through an action program called the Community for a Lifetime initiative; and
WHEREAS, The City of South Miami and the Florida Department of Elder
Affairs share the vision and responsibility to improve the life of all citizens so they can
prepare for and enjoy aging in place throughout their life; and
WHEREAS, in order to achieve out mutual goals, cities and counties should
begin to build together a place free of physical, emotional and social barriers; and
WHEREAS, the Commission for Senior Citizens will be the committee
designated to work on this project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI., FLORIDA THAT:
Section 1. The foregoing recital paragraphs are hereby ratified and confirmed as
being true, and the same are hereby made part of this Resolution.
Section 2. Our community will make every effort to first evaluate and later
remove barriers to create a Community for a Lifetime.
Section 3. The City Commission hereby directs the City Clerk to forward a copy
of this Resolution to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA).
Page 1 of 2
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Section 4. The Commission for Senior Citizens will be responsible for this
project.
Section 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY
JAMy Documents\resolutions\Resolution Elder's Affairs2007.doc
day of June, 2007
Page 2 of 2
APPROVED:
MAYOR
COMMISSION VOTE:
Mayor Feliu:
Vice Mayor Wiscombe:
Commissioner Palmer:
Commissioner Birts:
Commissioner Beckman:
Out
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N GORPORATED
1927
�ORY�
COMMISSION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
You are invited to embrace one of our state's most vital
resources - Florida's seniors - by participating in South
Miami's COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME
initiative.....
Day and dale
Dear Mayor Feliu and City Commissioners:
Very soon, for the first time in history, the number of older people in Miami-Dade will
exceed the number of children. The aging of the baby boomer generation, those born from
1946 to 1964, currently 26 percent of the county`s population, has tremendous impact on
our elder care resources.
For this reason the Florida Department of Elder Afihirs is working to remove harriers
by creating universal standards into their planning and funding processes through an action
program called the Communities for a Lifetime initiative.
The Florida House of Representatives on April 28, 2003, voted unanimously to pass.
House Resolution 9149, sponsored by Rep. Tom Anderson. (Copy attached). This
unprecedented action illustrates the state's commitment to the ' ' 'five that will provide
seniors the opportunity to remain independent in their own communities throughout their
lifetime.
Creating a Community for a Lifetime designation for South Miami is a process that
ideally will involve the entire community. But the first step in the process remains with you.
As a civic leader in South Miami, I'm asking you to follow the examples of 153 other Florida
communities, and pass a resolution in support of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative.
By doing so, you will demonstrate to our seniors and other citizens of South Miami, that
you are serious about making a difference in their lives.
-more-
page 2
Here is a brief outline of suggested steps in creating; our Community for a Lifetime designation:
1) The Mayor and City Commissioners pass a resolution in support of the iniative,
and notifies the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA), who in return
will award the title and designation and certificate to the city. There are no
costs or fees involved.
2) A committee is formed to assess and inventory all of the services and facilities
important for senior independence and care in both the city and county.
3) Upon the completion of the assessment the committee identifies areas of more
need of attention and incorporates them into a community action plan with a
timeline for completion.
4) The completed action plan is sent to DOEA for review and recommendations.
5) South Miami develops on -going strategies to initiate partnerships and
collaborations for addressing identified needs in areas such as:
Housing Land Use
Transportation Community Development
Health Cultural and Social Opportunity
Education
A more detailed outline is described in the attached Communities for a Lifetime
"Blueprint" brochure.
On becoming a Community fbr a Lifetime, we would then be on par with Aventura -
Miami Lakes - North Miami and North Miami Beach, for providing our elders the option
of aging in place with dignity, security and purpose. Moreover, at the same time offering our
city government and all our citizens good health, safety and economic benefits.
I sincerely hope you will accept this invitation and use it as a starting point to make South
Miami flourish and achieve its full potential by embracing our seniors and truly creating a
Community for a Lifetime where everyone benefits.
Resp 7 ly submitted:
C t4llta J27,
sell F. l r an
Chaurm
Commision for Senior Citizens
�-
INCORPORATED
1927 7�f
�4RY
COMMISSION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Dear Mayor Fehu:
Date:
Way back when you first declared Nov. 15, 2003, to be "Senior Awareness Day" with a
picnic at the new Multi Purpose Center to introduce the South Miami Commission for Senior
Citizens, I have been diligently learning how to help our older residents.
This has led to the formation of our elder care program called Citizens Helping Individual
Retired People (CHIRP), and our volunteer training program called Enriched Seniors in
Training (NEST).. Both are on ;going and working in place.
Now with the challenge of our growing and aging city population, your leadership is needed
to help make South Miami a Community for a Lifetime..
This designation was established by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to communities
who are reviving the best ideas from America's past and where neighborhoods of all generations
lived and worked together. At the same time sowing the seeds for communities of tomorrow.
As of December, 2006, 153 Florida communities like North Miami and Hialeah have been
awarded this designation - and now reaping substantial local, state and federal benefits.
This resolution culminates a long and sometimes difficult volunteer learning experience for me.
The workings of community elder care, as you might know, is exceedingly complex and costly.
I have also learned much by serving on volunteer committees of the Alliance for Aging, the area
agency for Miami -Dade and Monroe counties. The Affiance for Aging provides about $60 million
dollars yearly to elder care facilities in the county. The :money is funded by federal, state and local
grants and endowments.
If you have any questions or comments please let me! know; I look forward to working with you.
This is a great opportunity to help our elderly neighbors to live in place in their own city.
Sinc ,
Russell F. arisen, Chairman
Commission for Senior Citizens
5821 SW 63rd Court
South Miami, Fl 33143 -2151
tel: (305) 661 -3915
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�iORI9P`
Florida House of Representatives
House Resolution No. S> 149
By Representatives Anderson, Adams, Allen, Altman, Ambler, Antone, Arza, Attkisson, Ausley,
Barreiro, Baxley, Bean, Bendross- Mindingall, Bense, Benson, Berfield, Bowen, Brandenburg, Brown,
Brummer, Brutus, Bucher, Bullard, Byrd, Cantens, Carassas, Clarke, Cretul, Culp, Cusack, D. Davis, M.
Davis, Dean, Detert, Domino, Evers, Farkas, Fields, Fiorentino, Galvano, Gannon, Garcia, Gardiner,
Gelber, A. Gibson, H. Gibson, Goodlette, Gottlieb, Green, Greenstein, Harper, Harrell, Harrington,
Hasner, Henrique:4 Hogan, Holloway, Homan, Jennings, Johnson, Jordan, Joyner, Kallinger, Kendrick,
Kilmer, Kosmas, Kottkamp, Kravitz:, Kyle, Littlefield, Llorente, Machek, Mack, Mahon, Mayfield,
McInvale, Meadows, Mealor, Murman, Murzin, Needelman, Negron; Patterson, Paul, Peterman, Pickens,
Planas, Poppell, Prieguez, Quinones, Reagan, Rich, Richardson, Ritter, Rivera, Robaina, Roberson, Ross,
Rubio, Russell, Ryan, Sansom, Seiler, Simmons, Slosberg, Smith, Sobel, Sorensen, Spratt, Stansel,
Stargel, Troutman, Vana, Waters, Wiles, Widmer and Zapata
A resolution encouraging Florida's communities to adopt Governor Jeb Bush's Communities for a
Lifetime initiative in order to retain our seniors and attract more retirees to Florida.
WHEREAS, Florida residents aged 60 or older make up 23 percent, or 3.8 million, of the current
population of the state, comprising the highest percentage of elders living in any state of the nation, and
their numbers are expected to experience unprecedented growth during the first part of this century, and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Destination Florida Commission, in its report of February 14, 2003, cites
the positive impact seniors have on the state's economy, including $2.8 billion in taxes they provide above
their costs to state and local governments and their assets in deposit, which are estimated at $320 billion,
and
WHEREAS, the Communities for a Lifetime initiative was established in an effort to create a safer,
more friendly environment for the seniors of our state, and
WHEREAS, to date, some 55 cities and counties have adopted the Communities for a Lifetime
initiative in an effort to better enable our elder residents to live in dignity, security, and independence, and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of all Floridians to work together to create a safe and welcoming
atmosphere to which the senior members of our society are attracted and in which they may live
comfortably and independently in their homes and communities, NOW, THEREFORE,
Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Florida:
That the House of Representatives applauds the Communities for a Lifetime initiative and urges cities
and counties throughout the state to adopt its goals and methods in order to provide the ideal climate in
which Florida's resident seniors may live and to which elders throughout the country are attracted and
welcomed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that cities and counties are encouraged to contact the Department of
Elder Affairs as an excellent source of information and assistance in this matter.
This is to certify the foregoing was adopted on April 28, 2003.
051A/2H7 17':22 @5a-1142372 DOEA D!!3AS—,ER PLN6 PAGE 02
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FlUsborout ty
Boani of Ce-ww4, Commissionw1w
WHEREAS, K !.sborough County suppr'tts the Florida Depa- airs' y
P make Florida a friendlier p!nce to live for
penple c'f all age:,.
where they can be independent as Ion? as possible, while remaining ir, their 1-ic)mes atnd t! e
commauniti es they love; and
WHEREAS the State of Flcir;(4a has the largest Percentage of elder residents in the naticr, with)
nearly 180,000 of the-n residin
its Agim 9 in Ai'LlboMugh County where the he median age of djents served by
Aging Services Depan7ient is 80, and is continuing to grow in popl.r.'ation at at, unpreceder)te.c
pace during the tirst part of tl e 21jk certury; ;j.,ld
TVHRRIIAS HiLs-ioromgb. County through its Aging .Servirp-s 'Department has e3tpblisbed a unique
and long term 'Aging in Place" initiative that develops mociels of healthy aging anti care by V06-4ng
,ydtn national organizations, such the Society for Advancemem of Gerontologfca.' Society, the Na-
tional Associatioa. tTF Area Agencies on kging, and Partners for Livable Communities; aT-,,d
WHEREAS, a kev "amr for allowing a] re idents to maintain tb�,,ir and in.deper,
deuce is a cornmlul)ity able to ewluafe.. assess and m dify its nlfrasmcrufes to create Cbmnjut,,j6&5
1bf aDiOdMg aTid
WJHEREA 'La'-'dh Hillsborough Cotuiry and the Eorida Departmem of'F-iiex Affaxr,� share it -le vision
and respor-.s;Nlity to improve the ;i e of all dtizens,- and
WHERW, to achieve these mutual goals, cities and :ounties should begin tol-mild together a place
free of physical, emotional and social harriers.
N014,1 THEREFORF, BE ITPROCLAIAIED, that the Board of Coun -t v ":Om, missioners of
Hillsbo!-oue,h, U"'Ort-y Flo66, does' ereby set aside the month o'May 20061 as
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Hills' OrOag'ti] COuntY, and Wges all reske"Its to Make every effort to evaluate and rel-.Mle
barriers to ovate a better living enviroament is our elders.
Executed this 3rd day of May, 2(306L
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Page 1 of 3
PARTICIPATING CITIES, TOWNS
AND COUNTIES
CUn i.ltNFI FOR- A LIMEIWE
Alachua County
City of Lauderdale Lakes
Duval County
City of Alachua
City of Sunrise
City of Jacksonville
Alachua County
City of Tamarac
Duval County
City of Gainesville
City of Wilton Manors
City of Parkland
Flagl_er County
Bradford County
City of Coconut Creek
City of Bunnell
City of Starke
City of Hollywood
City of Palm Coast
Brevard County
Charlotte County
Franklin County
Brevard County
Charlotte County
City of Carabelle
City of Cape Canaveral
City of Cocoa
Citrus County
Gadsden County
City of Cocoa Beach
Citrus County
Gadsden County
Town of Indialantic
City of Indian harbor Beach
Clay County
Gilchrist County
Town of Malabar
City of Keystone Heights
City of Trenton
City of Melbourne
Town of Penny Fauns
Gilchrist County
Town of Melbourne Beach
Town of Melbourne Village
Collier County
Gulf County
City of Palm Bay
Collier County
City of Port St. Joe
Town of Palm Shores
City of Marco Island
Gulf County
City of Rockledge
City of Naples
City of Satellite Beach
Hardee County
City of Titusville
Columbia County
Hardee County
City of West Melbourne
City of Lake City .
City of Wauchula
Broward County
De Soto County
Hendry County
Broward County
City of Arcadia
Hendry County
City of Cooper City
City of Coral Springs
Dixie County
Hernando County
City of Deerfield Beach
Dixie County
Hernando County
Page 1 of 3
Highlands County
Levy County
Okaloosa County
Highlands County
Town of Bronson
City of Crestview
City of Sebring
City of Destin
Madison County
Hillsborough County
City of Madison
Orange County
City of Temple Terrace
Town of Eatonville
City of Tampa
Manatee County
City of Maitland
Hillsborough County
City of Bradenton
City of Oakland
City of Plant City
Manatee County
City of Ocoee
Orange County
Jackson County
Marion County
City of Orlando
Town of Malone
City of Ocala
City of Windermere
Jackson County
Marion County
City of Winter Garden
City of Winter Park
Jefferson County
Martin C(nl.rl±y
City of Monticello
Martin County
Osceola County
Jefferson County
City of Stuart
Osceola County
City of St. Cloud
Lake County
Miami -Dade County
City of Mascotte
City of Aventura "
Palm Beach County
Lake County
City of Hialeah
City of Belle Glade
City of Miami
City of Delray Beach
Lee County
Nliarni-Dade County
Town of Hypoluxo
City of Cape Coral
Town of Miami Lakes
Town of Jupiter
Lee County
City of North Miami
City of Lake Worth
City of North Miami Beach
Village of North Palm Beach
Leon County
Village of Palm Springs
City of Tallahassee
Nassau County
Village of Royal Palm Beach
Leon County
Nassau County
City of West Palm Beach
- - -- - --
-.. Page2_of3
Pasco County
Sarasota County
Volusia County
City of New Port Richey
Sarasota County
City of Daytona Beach Shores
Pasco County
City of Venice
City of Deltona
City of Edgewater
Pinellas County
Seminole County
City of Ormond Beach
City of Clearwater
Seminole County
Volusia County
City of Dunedin
'City of Casselberry
City of Deland
City of Gulfport
City of Lake Mary
City of Orange City
City of Oldsmar
City of Oviedo
i
Town of Redington Shores
City of Winter Springs
City of Safety Harbor
City of Sanford
City of Seminole
City of South Pasadena
St. Johns County
City of St. Petersburg
City of St. Augustine
City of Tarpon Springs
St. Johns County
City of Hastings
.Polk County
City of Bartow
St. Lucie County
City of Fort Meade
City of Port Pierce
City of Lake Alfred
City of Port St. Lucie
City of Lakeland
St. Lucie County
Polk County
City of Winter Haven
Sumter County
Sumter County
Santa Rosa County
Town of Jay
Taylor County
City of Milton
Taylor County
City of Perry
__ _ ---Page 3__of 3
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT
OF ELDER AFFAIRS
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If you are planning for a year, sow rice;
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If you are planning for a decade, plant trees;
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If you are planning for a year, sow rice;
If you are planning for a decade, plant trees;
If you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.
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CHINESE PROVERB
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DEPARTMENT OF
ELDER
AFFAIRS
,., STATE OF FLORIDA
JEB BUSH, GOVERNOR
"
F'
OLE GREEN, SECRETARY
a'
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
COMMtNITIES FOR A LIFETIME
•B•L•U•E•P-R•I•N-T-
Building Communities for the Future
What is the Communities for a Lifetime initiative?
Communities for a Lifetime is Governor Jeb Bush's statewide initiative that assists Florida cities,
towns and counties in planning and implementing improvements that benefit the lives of all their
residents, youthful or senior. This initiative recognizes the diverse needs of residents and the unique
contributions individuals can make to their communities. Participating Communities for a Lifetime
use existing resources and state technical assistance to make crucial civic improvements in such areas
as housing, health care, transportation, accessibility, business partnerships, community education,
efficient use of natural resources, volunteer opportunities and recreation. Participation in the initiative
is strictly voluntary.
What is the goal of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative?
The goal of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative is to help Florida communities become better
places for seniors to live, providing all residents the opportunity to achieve their full potential and
contribute to the betterment of their communities.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
The ongoing process of self - assessment and improvement can help a community achieve the
following goals:
• To create an inventory of services and opportunities that encourages independence and quality
of life for older adults in your community. This inventory can be used to market the community
to current residents as well as potential newcomers.
s I
• To initiate partnerships with a wide variety of sectors in the community (government, business,
not- for - profit and education) in order to promote the development of senior friendly com-
munity amenities.
Why is the state of Florida promoting
Communities for a Lifetime?
Communities for a Lifetime is intended to be a
resource for Florida communities challenged by:
• New technologies;
• A changing workforce and economy;
• Rapid population growth and the resultant strains
on community resources;
• Growth of the elder population as a result of new
residents and the aging of baby boomers;
• Inaccessible community facilities and resources;
• A fragile environment; and
• A desire for a community spirit that nurtures families and
promotes traditional intergenerational neighborhoods.
The capability of communities to respond to these and other challenges varies greatly. The state
of Florida recognizes that many communities are already planning and implementing innovative
practices that could serve as models for other communities struggling with these challenges.
Therefore, one function of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative will be to serve as a
clearinghouse of information for purposes of sharing "best practices" with all participating cities,
towns and counties. Communities for a Lifetime provides individual communities with the ability
to draw on the expertise of their state and local partners in planning to meet common challenges.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
What is the Communities for a Lifetime initiative going to cost?
Partnerships created during a community evaluation process and strategic alliances initiated afterwards
can maximize existing funding and resources. Communities for a Lifetime is not intended to impose
additional financial burdens on participating Florida communities. The purpose of this initiative is
to assist local elected officials, community leaders and residents in working together to plan the most
effective use of existing funding to achieve Communities for a Lifetime goals and benefits.
How can residents create a Community for a Lifetime?
Creating a Community for a Lifetime is a process, taking time and requiring involvement by many
stakeholders and partners, including community leaders and interested citizens.
A brief outline of short -term community goals and suggested steps in the process includes:
• Local government passes a resolution or proclamation in support of the program and notifies
the Department of Elder Affairs;
• The community forms a committee to inventory and assess elements important for senior
independence and care;
• Upon completion of the self - assessment, the committee identifies areas in need of attention
and incorporates them into a community action plan with a timeline for completion;
• The completed inventory is sent to the Department of Elder Affairs for review and recom-
mendations; and
• The community develops strategies to initiate partnerships and collaborations to address
identified needs.
What should be evaluated?
Participating Communities for ea Lifetime review each area of the seven Areas of Discovery listed
below in relation to the initiative's vision and values:
PHYSICAL SPACES
Accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards) — accommodations have been made
to allow for individual mobility, regardless of functional impairments;
Housing — universal design — the design of products and environments to be usable by all people,
to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design;
• Energy efficiency in heating; and cooling systems, appliances and lighting; and
• Use of environment friendly construction materials.
0
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
Shopping — easily accessible shops, supermarkets and drugstores where employees take into con-
sideration the needs and preferences of older residents.
TRANSPORTATION
Accessibility — to goods and services means having available means of transportation that are
convenient and affordable;
• Synchronized traffic signal timing and upgraded crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety and
traffic flow patterns;
• Larger, easier to read signs;
• Encourage the use of environment friendly transportation modes, such as bicycles where
appropriate;
• Selection of energy - efficient mass - transit;
• Community designs reducing need for individual automobiles; and
• Consideration of older out -of -town travelers at major airports, train stations and bus terminals.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
LAND USE
Parks, trails, waterways, greenways — efficiently planned communities to maximize green space and
community areas while facilitating easy access to businesses and services;
• Regional planning aiming at accommodating
people with varied needs may, reduce vehicle miles
traveled and could lead to improved air quality,
especially important to seniors and children;
• Efficient use of natural resources;
• Parking lot designs that are more aesthetically
pleasing and reduce water run -off;
• Energy efficient building and landscaping designs;
• Increased use of native plants in landscaping
leading to water conservation and less nutrient
runoff into waterways; and
• Walkable communities with improved sidewalk
accessibility, better lighting and neighborhood
watch organizations.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Walkable communities have many benefits.
Business partnerships — public /private partnerships to enhance
the availability of consumer services;
Friendly businesses — enterprises that accommodate the needs
of people with special considerations, such as mothers with
strollers and people with walkers. Examples include expanding
the aisles, wider doorways and easily opened doors;
Employment — ample employment opportunities for people
of all ages allowing meaningful work to enhance the quality of
life. Some people prefer to continue working beyond retirement
age, while many others find it is a necessity;
Volunteerism — volunteers enhance their own lives as well as the
lives of those they serve. With committed volunteers, many
agencies and organizations can offer a wider variety of services
that would otherwise be unavailable; and
Safety — trained fire fighters and law enforcement officers
sensitive to the needs of elders and caregivers.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
HEALTH
Physical — access to timely health care services — including
medical and non - medical services — and opportunities to
pursue healthy living through use of community facilities
such as walking trails and parks; and
Mental — access to timely and age- appropriate mental health
services that complement health services to help keep the
population active and involved in the community.
EDUCATION
Lifelong learning — living with vitality includes a spirit of continuous learning at all ages. Opportu-
nities to take classes and explore new subjects should be available for all residents.
• Crime prevention education — opportunities to learn about consumer safety and security from
advocacy groups and law enforcement personnel; and
• Health and wellness education — senior health fairs and educational events.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Recreation — opportunities for leisure activities for people of all ages and with a variety of interests
including indoor and outdoor pursuits. Parks and other common areas are accessible to individuals
with varied disabilities;
Spiritual — residents can pursue spiritual growth and nurturing from the faith perspective of their
choice with confidence and without fear of reprisal; and
Intergenerational Activities — the purposeful bringing
together of different generations in ongoing and mutually
beneficial activities such as mentoring and volunteerism.
Youth and seniors share their talents and resources, support-
ing each other in relationships, which benefit the individuals
and the community.
After self - assessments of the seven Areas of Discovery have
been conducted, the Communities for a Lifetime initiative
will enter into its next phase, providing participating cities,
towns and counties with information and technical assistance
to plan and implement community modifications, services
and resources addressing issues identified in the self-
assessment.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
Where can we get assistance?
DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS' ROLE
Department of Elder Affairs staff members are available to help your community organize and facilitate
the Communities for a Lifetime process. Some of the areas the Department of Elder Affairs may
assist communities include:
• Conducting special events with the Governor and /or Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs
participating when possible and appropriate;
• Providing a Communities for a Lifetime Blueprint (this document) and a variety of informa-
tion, materials and resources (local and state) to assist the community in the self - assessment
process. Items include the Communities for a Lifetime logo, sample proclamation and a
facilitator's guide;
• Awarding recognition certificates;
• Hosting conference calls and providing training opportunities for communities involved in the
process of assessment;
• Coordinating state level efforts and assistance in setting priorities on specific issues;
• Providing training, recognition and state support of local efforts;
• Identifying strategies and best practices of participating communities that promote senior
independence and care; and
• Maintaining Communities for a Lifetime Web site with contact and resource information.
Who are the stakeholders /partners and what are their roles?
Becoming a Community for a Lifetime requires teamwork and a partnership that has the commit-
ment of community leaders and residents. Initiating strategic alliances and collaboration of all sectors
of the community is critical. Through this partnership the community can identify its strengths and
weaknesses and plan for its vision of the future. The establishment of local committees or coalitions
is necessary to reach this goal. Local communities must identify and involve the stakeholders, potential
partners and organizations that can contribute to the process and are critical for success.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
The following is a list of some of the recommended critical partners:
CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIALS (CEO) - The CEO is the member of the governing body of a munic-
ipality or county or an elected county official chosen by the governing body of the community (i.e., the
mayor, city or county manager or other elected official). The commitment to become a Community for
a Lifetime begins with the support and leadership of local government
BUSINESS LEADERS - Initiatives such as this one cannot succeed without the partnership of business
and business leaders who not only are committed to contributing back to the community but who
recognize the economic value and business sense of becoming a Community for a Lifetime.
REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCILS AND METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS -
Effective planning and development requires collaboration outside the boundaries of the local commu-
nity. Local communities and cities must work in conjunction with counties and regions. Services offered
by staff include technical planning assistance, grant and loan planning assistance, transportation plan-
ning assistance, emergency response planning assistance, economic development activities, community
visioning and more.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
PLANNERS - Because local governments employ the majority of urban and regional planners, they
are often referred to as community, regional or city planners. Planners develop long and short -term
land use plans to provide for growth and revitalization of urban, suburban and rural communities
while helping local officials make decisions concerning social, economic and environmental problems.
DEVELOPERS, BUILDERS, ARCHITECTS - These are the profssionals most often involved
with producing housing and other community facilities,. Their involvement can result in creative,
cost efficient community and residential designs that meets current and future Communities for a
Lifetime needs.
Other groups, organizations or community disciplines involved in making a community one that
prepares for and values all of its residents include:
• Health care organizations and the medical community;
• Chambers of Commerce and other civic organizations;
• Local citizens /volunteers;
• Growth management and environmental staff;
• Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and other aging network organizations;
• Faith -based organizations;
• Local parks and recreation;
• Public safety; and
• Education.
Communities can also take advantage of the resource of technical assistance and information available
from statewide agencies such as the Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Community Affairs,
Department of Transportation, :Department of Health; Department of Children and Families,
Department of Environmental Protection, Agency for Workforce Innovation and Enterprise Florida.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
What are the benefits of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative?
Communities for a Lifetime may help children grow and prosper while also providing seniors an
opportunity to remain independent in their own communities. Caregivers for those of any age will
receive the support they need thereby meeting the needs of children and enabling elders to age in
place with dignity, security and purpose.
Individuals, communities, governments and businesses may benefit by:
• Increased safety through improved coordination of transportation, community planning,
universal home designs and neighborhood interaction;
• Improved physical and mental health of residents through better access to social interaction,
recreation, increased activity levels and facilitation oir other behaviors known to impact quality
of life issues; and
• Effective community planning and design encouraging mixed -use development co- locating
the places where people live, work, learn, shop and play.
i
FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT
OF
ELDER
AFFAIRS
DEPARTMENT OF
ELDER
AFFAIRS
STATE OF FLORIDA
4040 Esplanade Way Tallahassee, Florida 32399
850- 414 -2000 ph 1 850 - 414 -2004 fax 1 850 - 414 -2001 tdd
h ttp:/ /www. eldera ffairs. state. fl. us
http.,Ilwww.communitiesforalifetime.org
E -mail: communities @eideraf'fairs.org
Revised March 2004