Vibrant Communities and
Healthy Aging Go Hand-In-Hand
The Connecticut Age Well Collaborative is 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.
AGING, DEMENTIA AND DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
Livable communities are inclusive, vibrant, intergenerational places where we all can thrive across the lifespan. They include physical infrastructure, services, and opportunities for connection for all residents. They are intentional in planning with an aging, dementia and disability lens. 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.
CONNECTICUT HEALTHY AGING DATA REPORT
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.
ABOUT THE CONNECTICUT AGE WELL COLLABORATIVE
The Connecticut Age Well Collaborative is 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. Delegated by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors and Equal Opportunity, the Collaborative is implementing the state's livable communities initiative (Section 17b-420a of the Connecticut General Statutes).
Our guiding principlEs
Emphasize access, equity, and inclusion.
Change the conversation about aging from “challenge” to “asset”.
Listen more and let everyone’s voice be heard.
Maintain a sense of urgency and accountability.
Ensure the nature of work is interactive and transparent.
Be responsive to evolving and emerging issues.
Promote a community of continuous learning.
Celebrate success among our partners.
leadership and staff
Our Steering Committee Members:
Ellen Carter
Ayesha Clarke
Stephanye Clarke
Joel Cox
Anna Dorghazi
Margaret Gerundo- Murkette
Gretchen Knauff
Christy Kovel
Andrea June
Melissa Lang
Mag Morelli
Sherry Ostrout
June Renzulli
Kyle Shiel
Deborah Stein
Christie Stewart
Dianne Stone
Michael Werner
Our Staff
Alyssa Norwood
Lisa Noriega
Karen Green
Operations and Network Coordinator
follow our work
2020
2022
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.
2021
AGE-FRIENDLY RESOURCES
Connecticut for Livable Communities
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.
AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
World Health Organization Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities
Reframing Aging - Frameworks
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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