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‘Age Friendly Greenwich’, a Community Conversation

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On Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m., the Greenwich Commission on Aging will be hosting an update conversation on the Town-wide Survey results for Greenwich residents 45+, titled: “Age Friendly Greenwich, a Community Conversation.” The event is free and open to the public, and will take place at the Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., in the Lecture Gallery.

Panelists will include: Lori Contadino, Director, Greenwich Commission on Aging; Bill Armbruster, Manager of AARP Network of Age Friendly States & Communities; and Steven Katz, Vice-Chair, Greenwich Commission on Aging.

By the year 2020, 19.5% of residents in Greenwich will be 65+. This will exponentially impact healthcare, retirement, finances, housing, leisure and the need for services to help older adults age in place. This transition is certain to have a profound effect on our community.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) an “Age Friendly Community” is defined as “a community that encourages active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.” Both the WHO and the AARP have developed a framework for assessing and adapting communities that apply for the unique distinction of “Age Friendly” status.

The Town of Greenwich is the first community in Connecticut to apply for this designation. Additionally, the Commission on Aging is simultaneously applying for the designation as a Dementia Friendly Community. In partnership with the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the Commission now has the results of a community survey from residents 45+. Response to the community survey was robust. Additionally, five Listening Sessions and Walkabouts were conducted. Data collected from these sources has been reviewed, analyzed and trended. Priority areas of focus will be identified and reviewed with the Board of Selectman of the Town of Greenwich. In direct collaboration with the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health Consulting Workgroup, the Greenwich Commission on Aging is currently producing a Greenwich Age Friendly Action Plan to be filed with AARP National and the WHO.

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