The Connecticut Age Well Collaborative, a statewide, cross-sector initiative that fosters Connecticut communities where we all thrive as we grow up and grow older. The Collaborative co-creates, educates, innovates, celebrates and evaluates best practices, projects and policies to shape more aging, dementia, and disability-inclusive communities.
Age-friendly communities provide affordable, accessible, diverse housing and transportation options and public buildings and spaces; supportive community features and services; and vibrancy and opportunities for community engagement. They engage residents in civic and social life and allow people to remain in their homes and communities. Done well, they enhance the quality of life for all residents, create tremendous economic value in towns and cities, promote healthy living and support environmental sustainability.
The Connecticut Healthy Aging Data Report helps residents, agencies, lawmakers and community leaders understand the older people who live in their cities and towns. It provides data and recommendations to help advance healthy aging to aid in building vibrant, healthy communities that work for all ages. Connecticut is one of only four states in the nation to have such extensive data available for healthy aging.
Within this report, you will find interactive maps, in-depth charts, and comprehensive profiles that include nearly 200 indicators of healthy aging for each of the state’s 169 cities and towns, plus 12 neighborhoods in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford.
All data was compiled by researchers at the Gerontology Institute of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The work was funded by Tufts Health Plan Foundation.
Building on the work of the Connecticut Livable Communities initiative, the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative is currently preparing an analysis of aging in the state, Connecticut’s history of livable community work coupled with priorities and best practices.
1. Informing and co-creating community efforts with lived experience through a Community Leadership Team.
2. Raising awareness on issues of aging, dementia and disability inclusivity through an education campaign.
3. Providing resources and support to communities through targeted technical assistance.
4. Creating an opportunity for recognition and celebration of aging, dementia and disability-inclusive communities.
5. Partnering with academic stakeholders to inform local efforts with evidence-based practice.
Communities across Connecticut all want to be thriving places for people to grow up and grow older. Connecticut for Livable Communities, an initiative of Connecticut’s Commission on Women, Children and Seniors (formerly run by the Commission on Aging), provides information and inspiration for community leaders to prepare for the changing demographics of our state.
Framing can help address negative attitudes toward aging. FrameWorks' research offers powerful ways to shift thinking about aging and older people.
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