Minneapolis for a Lifetime
Residents of the City of Minneapolis are living longer and healthier lives and as a result the desire for residents to remain in their communities is growing. In 2011, the leading edge of the baby boomers turned 65 years old. Their numbers will continue to increase dramatically over the next 20 years so it is critically important for the city to maintain an aged-balanced population that can withstand major shift in demographics from the aging baby boomers. Surveys show that the vast majority of older adults want to remain in their homes and communities. The Minneapolis for a Lifetime Strategic Plan will aim to put in place the policies and support services that promote independent living, meaningful engagement and provide resources and information to older residents so they can remain part of the fabric of this community.
Vision
The City of Minneapolis is a premier location for older residents and visitors offering comprehensive housing options, easy access to all places and amenities, healthy and safe environments, and opportunities for civic engagement, leisure, entertainment and lifelong learning.
Mission
The Strategic Plan will target the contributions, preferences and needs as well as promote and support the value older adults bring to the community related to:
- Homes and Buildings
- Transportation and Mobility
- Health and Wellness services
- Civic Engagement
- Business opportunities
- Socialization and Lifelong Learning
- Arts and culture
Goals
Goal #1 – Affirm and improve healthy housing options for Minneapolis residents as they age.
Goal #2 – Strengthen and promote multi-mode transportation options that meet the needs of Minneapolis residents as they age, including tailored options.
Goal #3 – Celebrate and leverage the experience and skills of older adults to promote connection and contribution to achieve community goals.
Goal #4 – Expand and promote health and wellness initiatives, activities and services.
Process
From mid-2012 through December of 2013 the process will include:
- Conduct research to identify current literature, best practices, themes, etc.
- Interview wide range of experts, older residents and service providers and ask their opinions about the city’s senior plan.
- Hire Senior Coordinator.
- Setup strategic plan steering committee with membership from city departments, older adults, senior serving organizations and other leaders.
- Develop the city’s strategic plan and present to council by September, 2013.
- Adoption of the strategic plan by City Council, providing necessary tools to achieve its goal.
- Work with other city departments and stakeholders on implementation of the plan.
For more information: view the informational handout (pdf) or Contact Senior Community Specialist, Christina Kendrick at 612-673-3952 or christina.kendrick@minneapolismn.gov.
Last updated Jan 31, 2014
