Connecting Older Adults and their Families to Activities, Resources and Services

AGE FRIENDLY LAKELAND

In 2017, Lakeland received the designation of Age Friendly. This designation is administered through AARP in the United States and is a program of the World Health Organization.

Age Friendly Lakeland’s vision is to create a community where older adults and their families are equipped with the necessary resources to comfortably and safely age in place.

Why? Age Friendly Lakeland wants to maximize opportunities for seniors to be active, healthy and engaged with their neighbors by connecting them with resources, each other and their community.

How? Age Friendly Lakeland focuses on 8 Domains of Livability identified by the World Health Organization.

THE 8 DOMAINS OF LIVABILITY

People need places to gather – indoors and out. Parks, sidewalks, safe streets, outdoor seating and accessible buildings (think elevators, stairs with railing, etc.) can be used and enjoyed by people of all ages.

Outdoor Spaces & Living

Most older adults want to age in place. Doing so is possible if homes are appropriately designed or modified – and if a community includes affordable housing options for varying life stages.

Housing

Intergenerational activities are a great way for young and old to learn from one another, honor what each has to offer and, at the same time, feel good about themselves.

Age friendly communities recognize that not everyone has a smartphone or Internet access and that information needs to be disseminated through a variety of means.

Communication and Information

Driving should not be the only way to get around. Public transit options or services that provide non-drivers with rides to and from a doctor’s office.

Transportation

Regardless of one’s age, loneliness negatively affects a person’s health and sense of wellbeing. Isolation can be combatted by the availability of accessible, affordable and fun social activities.

An age-friendly community provides ways older people can, if they choose to, work for pay, volunteer their skills and be actively engaged in community life.

Civic Participation and Employment

At some point, everyone gets hurt, becomes ill or simply needs a bit of help. While it is important that care be available nearby, it is essential that residents can access and afford the services required.

Community and Health Services

Senior Resources

Wading through the maze of senior care options and resources can be an overwhelming task to say the least. Understanding what you need now or will need in the future is the key to planning and/or making the best care choices for yourself or someone you love. Knowledge is power! Once you know what best suits your needs our directory will connect you to local organizations and resources that can help.

Sage Aging ElderCare Guide

Finding the answers to questions on aging can be a daunting task. There is so much information available in so many places that it becomes hard to make sense of it all. That’s where we come in. We help you find what you need at no cost to you. We are the Senior Connection Center, a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 corporation that serves seniors, their families, and caregivers, to help identify and locate needed services.

Senior Connection Center