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MAKING HOUSTON AN AGE FRIENDLY/LIVABLE COMMUNITY

MAKING HOUSTON AN AGE FRIENDLY/LIVABLE COMMUNITY. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AARP, CITY OF HOUSTON AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS. WHAT IS AN AGE FRIENDLY LIVABLE COMMUNITY?.

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MAKING HOUSTON AN AGE FRIENDLY/LIVABLE COMMUNITY

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  1. MAKING HOUSTON AN AGE FRIENDLY/LIVABLE COMMUNITY WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION AARP, CITY OF HOUSTON AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS

  2. WHAT IS AN AGE FRIENDLY LIVABLE COMMUNITY? • “A community that is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing and transportation options, and has supportive community features and services. Once in place, those resources enhance personal independence; allow residents to age in place; and foster residents’ engagement in the community’s civic, economic and social life” • This includes walkable streets, suitable housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities.

  3. WHAT IS IT ABOUT? • The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities is the U.S. affiliated of the World Health Organization (WHO) AFC Cities and Communities program that was launched in 2006 to help cities prepare for their own and the world’s growing population of older adults. • Today, AARP has 350+ communities that are members of the Age-Friendly Communities Network. • In Texas: Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Brownsville and Houston. • Houston joined the Network of AFC Cities in August 2014, under leadership of Mayor Annise Parker and a certificate was sent to Houston City Council in January 2015 from the WHO. • Mayor Sylvester Turner reaffirmed our commitment in September 2018.

  4. WHY IS IT NEEDED? • Houston is aging. One in four Houstonians is 50 and over. One in ten is 65 and over. The demand for services tailored to an age-friendly community will only increase in the coming years as more and more baby boomers become older persons. • Houston must plan for older adults with higher rates of disability that hinder their mobility and ability to move around comfortably. The population of 65 and older is almost four times more likely to have at least one disability at 38.1 percent compared to 9.8 percent among the general population. • Most Houston AARP respondents want to live independently in their own home for as long as they can. A surveyed 87 percent believe it is important to stay in their own home as they age, and 44 percent say it is important to age in their own community.

  5. WHY IS IT NEEDED? (cont’d.) • Houstonians 65 and over live in the same house they did one year ago at a rate of 92.4 percent in comparison to 79.6 percent of the general population. • Houston is diverse. Among Houston residents 65 and over, 70.8 percent speak English only at home. Yet 29.2 percent still speak a language other than English at home and 18.8 percent speak English less than very well.

  6. 9 DOMAINS OF AN AGE FRIENDLY/LIVABLE COMMUNITY Outdoor Spaces and Building: Availability of safe and accessible recreational facilities Transportation: Safe and affordable modes of private and public transportation. Housing: Availability of home modification programs for aging in place as well as a range of age- friendly housing options. Social Participation: Access to leisure and cultural activities including opportunities for older residents to socialize and engage with their peers as well as with younger people.

  7. 9 DOMAINS OF AN AGE FRIENDLY/LIVABLE COMMUNITY (cont’d.) Respect and Social Inclusion: Programs that promote ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as multigenerational interaction and dialogue. Civic Participation and Employment: Paid work and volunteer activities for older resident and opportunities to engage in the formulation of policies relevant to their lives. Communication and Information: Access to communications technology and other resources so older residents can connect with their community, friends and family.

  8. 9 DOMAINS OF AN AGE FRIENDLY/LIVABLE COMMUNITY (cont’d.) Community Support and Health Services: Access to home-based care services, health clinics and programs that promote wellness and active aging. Public Safety: Assurance of public safety and security in all aspects of life, such as crime, homeland security, cyber-security, emergency preparedness and adult protectives services.

  9. WHO IS INVOLVED? • Over 100 public, private, non-profit organizations participated in the process • They represent all 9 domains, including: transportation; housing; outdoor spaces and buildings; social participation; public safety; health and community support; civic participation, volunteerism and employment; respect and social inclusion, and communication and information • Some examples include: Area Agency on Aging; Baker-Ripley; UT Health Center; Habitat for Humanity; Avenue; Volunteer Center; Citizens Transportation Coalition; Chinese Community Center; Mi Familia Vota; Super Neighborhood Alliance; Houston Parks and Recreation; Houston Health Dept.; Harris County Transit RIDES; METRO; Adult Protective Services; Houston Police Dept.; Houston Fire Dept.; Housing and Community Development Dept.; Houston Housing Authority; Boat People SOS; Management Districts

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