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Aging, Livability, and the New Economy
Traverse City: Aging in Community Initiative is a community-wide evaluation project that involves public and private sectors, community leaders, volunteers, and those who work and reside in the Traverse City area. The purpose of the project is to help encourage Traverse City to take a new look at our community and our neighborhoods. Although the evaluation is written from the perspective of older persons, the assets, features, and services addressed promote livability for persons of all ages and abilities. The Traverse Livable Community Survey is based on the AARP Livable Communities Evaluation Guide with added enhancements designed to better meet the unique challenges of Traverse City.
A key component in the Traverse City: Aging in Community Initiative is a strong emphasis on partnering with business to better serve older adults and boomers and boost private-public ventures that improve community livability in our area. This is reflected in the Traverse City: Aging in Community Survey in three new survey sections: Senior Sensitive Marketplace survey section, Arts, Culture, and Education survey section and the Volunteerism and Civic Engagement survey section.
The Traverse City: Aging in Community model is being embraced by a highly progressive local community actively engaged in constructive, long-term collaboration with a track record of creating community features that promote livability for all ages. The overall Traverse City community plan is to:
- Conduct a community-wide online survey to identify livability assets and needs,
- Build and strengthen existing community livability assets,
- Identify area gaps and opportunities for increasing livability,
- Prioritize objectives and activities for a Year One Action Plan, and
- Extend and support these efforts as part of the Traverse City plan for the next ten years.
Business can be a vital community partner for creating and accelerating social change by helping to drive a wide-variety of markets and messages that help meet Traverse City's present interests and future needs. Among these are the travel and tourism market, the wellness and nutrition market, the affordable senior housing market, the lifestyle market, fitness and self-care market, the computer and technology market, health care, home care and community-based services markets, not to mention the retirement and financial markets. These major markets also happen to represent key age-related social issues that have important implications for our region, state, and nation; issues that form the core social impact agendas for business, government, higher education, and non-profits alike.
When the economy does well, quality of life improves for everyone. Partnering with the business community represents a powerful new paradigm for creating social change with far-reaching implications and results. While often misunderstood and easily misinterpreted, the emerging market of baby boomers and their aging parents really does represent an unparalleled opportunity for leadership, innovation, and economic growth for our city, state and our nation. Our long-range goals of economic security, health and supportive services, livable communities, and access to information can be greatly impacted if we choose to help the business community embrace the concept of 'enlightened self-interest' in service to older adults.
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Traverse City: Aging in Community Leadership Team
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Anita Salustro |
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AARP Michigan |
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Mary Doezema
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Aging Institute of Michigan |
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Greg Piaskowsk
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Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan |
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Barb Mikowski
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Catholic Human Services, Inc. |
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Linda Smyka
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City of Traverse City (Mayor) |
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Jim Moore
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Disabilities Network |
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Rick Marion
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Grand Traverse Pavilions |
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Dan Doezema
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Michigan Office of Services to the Aging |
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Tom Emling
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Michigan State University |
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Matt McCauley
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Northwest Michigan Council of Governments |
| Sally Erickson Bornschein |
POM Associates Inc. |
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Douglas Luciani
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Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce |
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Brad VanDommelen
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Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau |
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Traverse City: Aging in Community Advisory Team
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Bob Siegle |
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Action House Design Center, Inc. |
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| Steve Chapmen |
Airway Oxygen, Inc. |
| Dee Wilkinson |
Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan |
| George McBath |
Bay Area Transportation Authority |
| Theresa Kerry |
Catholic Human Services, Inc. |
| Steve Cassens |
Cherry Capital Airport |
| Russ Knopp |
Comfort Keepers |
| Brian Crough |
Downtown Development Authority |
| Barbara Lemcool |
Grand Traverse Community Collaborative |
| Georgia Durga |
Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging |
| Jeanne Snow |
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation |
| Virginia Coulter |
Traverse City Housing Commission |
| Peter Colson |
Interlochen Center for the Arts |
| Jim Lively |
Michigan Land Use Institute |
| Beth Karczewski |
Munson Home Health |
| Donna Wilson |
New Designs for Growth |
| Carol Evans |
Northwestern Michigan College - EES |
| Dennis Prout |
Prout Financial Design |
| Debra McKeon |
Traverse Area Arts Council |
| Russ Soyring |
Traverse City Planning Director |
| Lori Wells |
Traverse City Senior Center |
| Onlee Bowden |
Traverse City State Bank |
| Greg Thompson |
Thompson Pharmacy & Medical |
| Susan McQuaid |
United Way, RSVP |
| Fran DuBois |
Community Volunteer |
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| Bay Area Senior Advocates |
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The Traverse Livable Communities Survey is the community evaluation tool that brings a person-centered approach to the Traverse City: Aging in Community Initiative.
Traverse City already brings some notable livability assets and environmental features to the project along with a high degree of community-wide collaboration. This online survey is based on the national AARP Livable Communities Model and has been tailored to reflect the community needs of Traverse City.
Traverse City: Aging in Community Initiative is in the position of learning more about how increased livability features may impact a high senior and boomer growth areas around the state and nation. The development of the Traverse Livable Community (TLC) Survey is a meaningful part of our overall project goals. This online survey tool is designed to help other communities to replicate our project by assisting them in their community livability efforts.
But why now? And, why Traverse City?
Fast Forward: A Demographic Perspective
According to the 2005 Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast, growth of the 50 years of age, or better, population is exploding in our region at a rate three times faster than the rest of the state, and twice as fast as the rest of the nation. Consequently, our region is experiencing today what other communities will experience in the future, as the boomer and senior populations continue to increase over the next five to ten years.
This accelerated growth rate heightens the challenges and increases the need for affordable housing, medical care, transportation, and supportive services, and senior sensitive businesses that define livability for older adults and their families. Understanding the economic impact of these age-related demographics, at the community level, is key to getting beyond the commonly held misperception that meeting the future needs of boomers and their aging parents represents an economic burden and social drain.
On the contrary, older adults contribute to our community through a broad range of civic and social engagement activities, including volunteerism, mentoring, consultants, angel investors, support of the arts, and philanthropy; not to mention the enormous amount of civility, selflessness, and patriotism this generation so freely gives.
A tipping point occurs as our community perception moves from drain to gain and business is beginning to realize that serving this vital, vibrant market represents a powerful economic industry for our region and our state. Attracting and retaining the mature market will be crucial to shaping community growth because of the level of economic stabilization it brings to our area.
Because of this, Traverse City is currently in a unique position to provide leadership and innovation to age-related community and economic development issues in Michigan. Here are some of the general issues the Aging Institute of Michigan and the Bay Area Senior Advocates work to address, in both general and specific ways, that support the current Traverse City: Aging in Community Initiative:
Connection to Community
Many seniors live in social isolation and are unable to fully participate in their community. Community engagement is connected to improved feelings of satisfaction and quality of life. Affordable and accessible housing, transportation, and designing elder friendly communities help provide the infrastructure for community connection. Encouraging seniors to engage in their community through volunteerism, civic participation, leadership, and mentoring enhances the feeling of attachment and successful aging.
Transportation
For many seniors, lack of affordable, safe, accessible transportation prevents individuals from partaking in daily living activities such as getting to and from medical appointments, shopping, as well as participating in social and recreational activities. While public transportation services exist in our Northern Michigan counties, there are some individuals that require more specialized assistance and cannot access the demand-response services or who may need to cross a county line outside of the provider's service area. Many seniors find the direct route bus service confusing to use and have a fear of being stranded. Also, communities that provide walkable and bikeable sidewalks and streets provide an additional option for seniors to be mobile.
Housing
The majority of seniors would like to "age in place." That is, to live in a home that will serve their needs throughout their lives. Unfortunately, most of the homes that are built do not incorporate accessibility as a standard design feature; instead it is thought to be the exception. Building homes that are "visit-able" is to incorporate simple design features that ensure that if an individual comes to a point in life when they need a wheelchair or a walker, that home will not become a barrier to that person's ability to live there. Simple changes in building design such as a no-step entry, wider door and hallways, wider floor areas in kitchens and bathrooms will ensure that the home will be usable for people of all ages and abilities.
Elder Abuse and Exploitation
Every year we hear stories about seniors who are abused and exploited. Senior abuse includes, not just physical abuse, but also emotional, and mental abuse. Many seniors are vulnerable to physical abuse and financial exploitation. To better protect seniors from criminal activity it is important to educate seniors, their families, and community groups about fraudulent consumer practices, abuse and exploitation, and senior rights. This also includes electronic media and identity theft issues.
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Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce: Living the Values
The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce is the third largest chamber in the state and a leader in northern Michigan. Its mission is expressed through the Chamber's vision to be a 'Vital Partner' to members and regional stakeholders. The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce continually seeks new opportunities to collaborate with business, government, human service organizations, and healthcare providers across the region and the state. The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce is responsive; quick to identify innovation, foster new ideas, and extend an unparalleled level of support that only a true 'Vital Partner' can give. It was this spirit of innovation and collaboration that was the key to opening the door to a new vision of aging; one that created a tipping point for our region. Simply put, courting the boomer and senior markets made both dollars and sense.
Who are you calling old? As we look at demographic trends, the aging Baby Boomers in particular, we can almost measure the impact of these statistics by the degree of collective resistance to considering them. In fact, this is what has blinded us from seeing their potential. Clearly, midlife is expanding and the Baby Boom generation not only spans midlife, but carries the dual aspect of eldercare in addition to childcare. Over 80% of direct caregiving of those 75 years of age and older is being done by family caregivers creating what the Aging Institute of Michigan calls, the Dual Market Matrix. The concept of family is being redefined and this impacts how we live, work, play and raise our families in our region and how we must plan for our future.
A demographic paradigm shift is happening in our region; it is reflected in our own Economic Forecast developed by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. It will not only reshape our personal lives, it will also greatly impact our marketplace and business communities. According to our own facts, we will experience the effects of these demographics twice as fast as the rest of our nation, and three times faster that the rest of our state. This represents both a challenge for our community and an opportunity for growth and leadership for the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce has a powerful vantage point to lead Michigan with innovative business and marketplace solutions that model corporate citizenship at its best. The Senior Sensitive Marketplace initiative is one such pioneer program that is both highly congruent with Chamber values, mission and goals, while at the same time, meeting the needs of the changing face of aging in the communities it serves.
The vision and leadership of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, and the foundational language supporting age-related economic issues included in the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan, provided the community cornerstone for the Traverse City: Aging in Community initiative, the planning and development of the Senior Sensitive Marketplace program, and the establishment of the Aging Institute of Michigan. This is what innovation is all about and brings new meaning to the phrase, 'Your Vital Partner.'
The Traverse City: Aging in Community Initiative is in the position of learning more about how certain changes in increased livability features may impact a high senior and boomer growth area. The Traverse City project brings to the table some notable livability and environmental assets that promote livability for all generations. Though the online survey results are not yet in, the following are some shining examples.
In addition to a CAPS Certified Builder committed to building a Livable Lifestyles Home, a signature house featuring Universal Design element to showcase successful aging in place, other Livability assets include:
Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA): [Web Site]
The Bay Area Transportation Authority recently celebrated the opening of its new Transit Center on Hall Street in the heart of Traverse City. BATA is committed to promoting the many benefits of public transportation including conservation of energy, reduction in air pollution, increased economic vitality, reduction in traffic congestion and enhanced mobility for the independently living
- Hybrid Electric Bus - Clean energy transportation, zero-emission bus with Air Curb ability rides 22 passengers with 2 wheelchair positions.
- Buddy System - Free assistance for first time riders.
- BikeBus - Easy to use two-bike racks for passengers who wish to bicycle for part of their trip or tour scenic routes.
Cherry Capital Airport: [Web Site]
New state-of-the-art terminal complex with an infusion of Arts and Crafts and Frank Lloyd Wright elements along with northern Michigan artisan style. The new Cherry Capital airline terminal complex is approximately 115,000 square feet and incorporates the flavors of northern Michigan in its design and landscaping features - not to mention its state-of-the-art security systems. Visitors will find close-in parking, electronic check-in computers, advanced baggage screening, and an outdoor garden for ticketed passengers. For those passengers who are dropped off, there is a weather-resistant canopy entrance with boarding, checkpoint and egress all on a gradually rising plane beginning in the parking lot and ending at the boarding areas.
Grand Traverse Pavilions: [Web Site]
Grand Traverse Pavilions provides a continuum of health care and residential services that are community-based and community-focused. The vision of Grand Traverse Pavilions is to continue as the premier health care and residential continuum of choice in northern Michigan. Recognized as one of this region's premier intergenerational healthcare and residential communities, Grand Traverse Pavilions provides individuals of all ages with a broad range of programs and services, ranging from transitional, long-term, independent and assisted living care to licensed child care, adult day and overnight respite care, a continuum of Alzheimer's, rehabilitative therapy, dementia care and preventative health and fitness programs.
Midtown Center: [Web Site]
In the heart of Traverse City is a master planned, mixed-use community on the banks of the Boardman River. Recognized as Traverse City's most innovative concept in Urban community planning, Midtown delivers a sense of neighborhood and efficient land use without compromising livability. Phase I construction at Midtown is nearing completion with virtually every unit sold or reserved. These homes offer views of the Boardman River as well as Grand Traverse Bay.
Munson Medical Center and Munson Home Health: [Web Site]
Munson Medical Center leads Michigan hospitals by being named a Top 100 Hospital more than any other hospital in Michigan and is among an elite seven hospitals in the U.S. to be named to the list eight or more times. Munson is the largest hospital in northern Michigan and has some of the cost widely respected medical specialist in the country. Located in Traverse City, Munson Medical Center reaches out by providing specialty clinics in many communities throughout the region. Munson Home Health is northern Michigan's most comprehensive home care specialists and one of the largest home health companies in Michigan. Muson Home Health offers a complete range of services which are available in all 32 counties of northern Michigan. All professional staff are fully licensed or certified in their fields.
Northwestern Michigan College - EES: [Web Site]
Northwestern Michigan College provides lifelong learning opportunities to our communities. NMC's extensive extended education program offers a vast array of non-credit classes to over 10,000 local residents annually. Northwestern Michigan College provides a wide variety of learning experiences to over 50,000 learners each year. Learners come to NMC for academic degrees, personal enrichment, organizational training and cultural activities. Northwestern Michigan College is a community college established in 1951 in Traverse City, Michigan. Our enrollment for credited classes is approximately 4,300 students per semester. NMC offers associates degrees and professional certificates at the main campuses, and through the University Center, they grant baccalaureate and graduate degrees from 10 partner universities.
Senior Resource Guide & Compass: [Web Site]
The Senior Resource Guide & Compass, now in its 25th year of publication, provides information and community resources to support quality decision-making for older adults, families and caregivers. The Senior Resource Guide & Compass currently covers all of northern, lower Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula in four separate regions. The Guide is available online.
Traverse Area District Library: [Web Site]
The mission of Traverse Area District Library (TADL) is to support the District's diverse and changing population in its lifelong search for intellectual, recreational or vocational information and enrichment. The TADL is conveniently located near downtown, near the TART trail, and accessible by public transportation. The TADL houses the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a Law Library, free internet and computer access, a Sight and Sound Center, an online Audio Book Club, as well as public meeting space and intergenerational volunteer experiences. The Traverse Area District Library also is home to TV2 Public Broadcasting Training Center.
Traverse Area Recreational and Transportation Trails, Inc. (TART): [Web Site]
The ten mile long TART trail is a paved urban transportation corridor that currently runs between Bunker Hill Road in Acme Township and M-22/M-72 intersection in Traverse City. The trail runs along Grand Traverse Bay, through downtown Traverse City neighborhoods and the Mitchell Creek watershed and is a favorite of families, visitors, bicyclists and in-line skaters. According to the 2002 Michigan State University TART Trail Study, 49% of individuals surveyed in the study were age 41 and older. "Almost half of the use (42%) was by people 41 to 60 years old... 7% of use was by people who were 61 years of age and above..."
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons: [Web Site]
Nestled within a 480-acre "Central Park" setting of preserved parkland, historic arboretums, inviting paths and walkways, The Village is a return to a quality of life that melds old-world historic charm with cosmopolitan vitality. It is a place of social interaction, invigorating power-walks, or peaceful nature strolls; a place to live, work, shop and enjoy fine dining, or a picnic on the lawn. The adaptive re-use of this significant site serves to preserve our historic legacies, diminish urban sprawl, promote a pedestrian friendly atmosphere, and an unparalleled quality of life in a vibrant living and working environment. The result is a diverse and dynamic new community of residential, commercial, restaurant, and retail space. The Village is located in the region's only Michigan Tax Free Renaissance Zone, granting virtually tax-free status to businesses and residents located in the zone.
New Designs for Growth: [Web Site]
The vision of New Designs for Growth is to address this development expansion and help the region prosper in a way that protects the natural resources, scenic beauty, rural landscape and unique character of each community within the area.
As a model grassroots effort that began in 1992 under the auspices of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, New Designs for Growth has been a guiding force that has helped to shape commercial and residential developments. As a collaborative team of community volunteers, advocates, planning and design professionals, developers and governmental representatives, the initiative continues to help shape the future of this region, with support from the Traverse City Area Chamber Foundation and a grant from Rotary Charities of Traverse City.
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Stepping Stones
The Traverse City: Aging in Community model is being embraced by a highly progressive local community actively engaged in constructive, long-term collaboration with a track record of creating community features that promote livability for all ages.
The following is a brief summary of the overall community action plan developed by the Traverse City: Aging in Community Initiative leadership team with some of the notable project stepping-stones toward building local awareness and support for this community-wide initiative led by the Aging Institute of Michigan, Catholic Human Services, Inc., Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, Michigan State University, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Step 1
January: 2006
The foundational language of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan provided the local cornerstone for the Traverse City: Aging in Community project, the Senior Sensitive Marketplace Initiative and the establishment of the Aging Institute of Michigan. The Traverse City: Aging in Community initiative is being embraced, approached and driven from a unique economic and community development perspective that will benefit business, community, and individual consumers.
Community Educational Forum: Back from the Beltway White House Conference on Aging series featuring Georgia Durga, Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging, and Dan Doezema, Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. The event was sponsored by the Grand Traverse Pavilions and the Aging Institute of Michigan. The presentation, held at the Park Place Dome in Traverse City, drew over 150 concerned citizens, volunteers, and community leaders. This helped pave the way for future community discussions around livability issues in Traverse City and promote the upcoming Senior Summit Conference on Aging.
Bay Area Senior Advocates members collaborate on an advocacy paper that addresses livability issues, among other local senior issues. Over forty leaders from local health care, housing, and human service organizations collaborate with for-profit businesses to set an agenda for seniors and age-related issues in the greater Traverse City area.
Step 2
February: 2006
Community Invitation to introduce the Traverse City: Aging in Community Initiative based on the national AARP Livable Communities Model hosted by the Aging Institute of Michigan, the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, Catholic Human Services, Inc., Michigan Office of Services to the Aging and Michigan State University. Over 40 community leaders, representing private, public, aging network, government, higher education, and volunteers attended to hear special guest, Steve Gools, State Director, AARP Michigan.
Step 3
March: 2006
AARP Press Conference held announcing the launch of the Traverse City: Aging in Community Project Initiative. Special guest speakers included, Mayor Linda Smyka, Doug Luciani, President, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, Brad Van Dommelen, President, Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sally Erickson Bornschein, POM Associates, Inc., and Steve Gools, State Director, AARP Michigan. The event was hosted by the Aging Institute of Michigan.
AIM presents Aging Parents: Career Buster or Business Opportunity at Marigold Over Lunch Series held at the Holiday Inn, Traverse City. The event addresses aging and caregiver issues and the impact of an aging workforce on the local economy.
Step 4
April: 2006
Business After Hours event co-hosted by the Aging Institute of Michigan, the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce held to raise awareness of aging issues in the business community and promote attendance for the upcoming Senior Summit Conference on Aging.
Aging Institute of Michigan hosts the first annual state-wide Senior Summit Conference on Aging at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Over 500 professionals representing for-profit, non-profit, higher education, and government from across Michigan attended the two day event. Conference themes centered on the Business of Aging and included topics and speakers on aging demographics, livability and aging in place, adaptive and assistive technologies, aging and the new economy, elder financial protection, and the future of health care.
For speaker information, see: www.seniorsummit.net
Step 5
May: 2006
Bay Area Senior Advocates host 2006 Senior Expo at the Haggerty Center in Traverse City. Aging Institute of Michigan conducts initial face-to-face, community livability test surveys with expo attendees. Feedback from the original test surveys help to create enhanced Traverse City Livable Communities online survey.
Review of local and regional plans and processes related to livability in Traverse City including: Traverse City Master Plan, 2006 Economic Development Forecast, Land Use and Transportation Study, Poverty Reduction Initiative work group activities, Down Town Development Authority's current agenda, Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan planning data, current demographic information from Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, Michigan Office of Services to the Aging State Plan, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan, Bay Area Senior Advocates White Paper recommendations, Munson Hospital Disaster Preparedness Plan, Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan for NW Lower Michigan Stakeholders, 2004 Traverse City designation from Partners for Livable Communities white paper, Traverse City Waterfront Plan recommendations, and other age-related studies pertaining to livability in the greater Traverse City area.
Develop a series of questions for two new survey sections for the final enhanced Traverse Livable Community Survey based on Traverse City Leadership team recommendations. The Aging Institute of Michigan worked with Debra McKeon, Traverse Area Arts Council, Carol Evans, Northwest Michigan College Extended Education Services, and Lori Wells, Traverse City Senior Center to develop questions for the Arts, Culture and Education survey. Susan McQuiad, United Way, RSVP, Barbara Lemcool, Grand Traverse Community Collaborative, and Jeanne Snow, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation gave input and suggestions for the Volunteerism and Civic Engagement survey questions. These two new signature survey sections are an important part of reflecting Traverse City's unique approach to livability as a vacation destination community and will serve to help other communities identify capacities that will help promote and accelerate their local livability program efforts.
Step 6
June: 2006
Identify key neighborhoods in Traverse City, in addition to the downtown area, and complete local assessments related to livability features and amenities. Review transportation and bus routes to document assets and potential liabilities. Volunteers inspect local grocery stores for livability assets and potential liabilities. Meet with city planners, local law enforcement, housing officials, and city assessors to gather additional input and clarification regarding community assets and potential liabilities.
Two additional survey refinements evolved from the original AARP Livable Communities Evaluation Guide. The first more directly addressed the social and recreational components of the survey, originally called, Recreation and Cultural Activities. To better meet the needs of Traverse City seniors, this survey was expanded with the help of Lori Wells, Traverse City Senior Center (who works closely with the Traverse City Parks and Recreation Department,) and Mike McGuire, Traverse Area District Library, who also saw the need for a more expanded questionnaire. This survey section name was changed to: Recreational and Social Activities and was modified to include additional questions to better meet the growing needs of area seniors while maintaining 100% of the original survey questions. The second survey refinement involved the expansion of the original Shopping survey to include baseline consumer evaluation information on specific livability aspects of downtown and restaurants in Traverse City; a modification that will assist in the development of a national business and aging certification program. This new title of this survey, Senior Sensitive Marketplace, is also the name of the new program initiative developed by the Aging Institute of Michigan in cooperation with the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Community experts complete original livability survey documenting and confirming the existence, partial existence or non-existence of livability assets included in the AARP Livable Communities Evaluation Guide. Get expert feedback on gaps in Traverse City's senior care continuum at the present time. Compare and contrast expert's assessments of individual assets with public's perception gathered from face to face test survey results conducted in May.
Step 7
July: 2006
An expanded online Traverse Livable Community Survey developed to gather direct input from the community. Traverse City Record Eagle partners with the Aging Institute of Michigan as a media sponsor to promote the online survey. A series of eight 1/4 page ads will run in the Traverse City Record Eagle and will be linked directly from their live home page for the month of August, 2006. In addition, three prizes will be awarded to participants in a special drawing of those who invest the time to complete all ten survey sections. Area groups and organizations will be invited to participate in the survey.
Step 8
August: 2006
Community-wide online survey launched to gather community input into identifying livability assets and liabilities. Participants are invited to give their comments and feedback on the survey.
See: www.TLCsurvey.org
State-wide education and discussion portal for Michigan's current and emerging community livability programs, projects, and initiatives launches to support engaged communities and help new communities move their local livability efforts from conversation to action.
See: www.Mihometown.org
Step 9
September: 2006
Building an enhanced inventory of community livability assets. Identify area gaps and opportunities for increasing livability for seniors.
Complete Traverse Livable Community Assessment incorporating community feedback along with state, regional and local planning studies and aging resources.
Step 10
October: 2006
Look at the possibility of conducting a community forum for additional ideas about how community members can get involved in Traverse City livability improvements.
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Mary Doezema
Executive Director
Aging Institute of Michigan |
Address: |
512 5th Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
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Office:
Fax:
E-Mail: |
231-941-1905
231-946-8825
[Click Here] |
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Aging Population Forecast: Conference aims to prepare for changing needs.
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04/28/2006 |
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ACME - An expected boom of retired baby boomers will significantly alter the economic landscape of northern Michigan in the coming years, organizers of a local "Senior Summit" conference on aging said.
The event targeted businesses, health and service professionals, nonprofit groups, public workers and others working in fields related to aging residents. It drew close to 500 attendees to the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, said representatives of the Traverse City-based Aging Institute of Michigan, the event organizers.
[More]
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Traverse City Hosts Economic Development, Livable Communities Conference
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04/26/2006 |
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Hundreds gather for "Senior Summit Conference on Aging 2006, a two-day conference on cutting-edge community issues cosponsored by AARP and the Aging Institute of Michigan.
Business, community and nonprofit leaders gathered in Traverse City recently for "Senior Summit Conference on Aging 2006," an in-depth two-day program about economic development opportunities for communities as their populations age and developing livable communities that provide support for and maximize the economic and employment benefits of their older populations. Principal sponsors were AARP and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. The conference, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, was hosted by the Aging Institute of Michigan (AIM).
Sharon Gire, director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging and Jim Epolito, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, were among those addressing the Conference about cutting-edge community economic development issues and what older citizens will bring to the table as their numbers and percentage of population expand in coming years.
[More]
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AARP Michigan Sponsors Traverse City Senior Summit April 24-25
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03/23/2006 |
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The challenges and opportunities posed by an aging workforce is the focus of a two-day conference next month in Traverse City.
Business, community and non-profit leaders are invited to participate in the "Senior Summit Conference on Aging 2006" April 24-25 at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.
Hosted by the Aging Institute of Michigan (AIM), the conference's principal sponsors are AARP and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Business and community leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve are invited to sponsor, exhibit and attend the Conference on Aging," said AIM Executive Director Mary Doezema. "Boomers and other older Americans represent a vibrant, diverse and energetic market. Businesses and communities who fail to understand America's changing demographics will be ill prepared for the profound changes we are about to experience."
[More]
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AARP Joins Livable Communities Initiative in Traverse City
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03/15/2006 |
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"Traverse City: Aging in Community" is theme of comprehensive livability initiative.
AARP Michigan has joined with Traverse City community leaders, including the Aging Institute of Michigan (AIM), to announce "Traverse City: Aging In Community," a new initiative that will help the area position itself as a national model to attract, retain and serve older residents.
"AARP wants to promote livable communities that allow people to age with dignity and independence in the neighborhoods they call home," said AARP Michigan State Director Steve Gools, speaking at a press conference at the AIM offices at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. "We believe Traverse City is an ideal community in which to implement that vision, and AARP will invest $125,000 in locally directed projects and forums to help move the community from discussion to action."
[More]
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AARP, Area Leaders Launch "Traverse City: Aging in Community" Project
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03/08/2006 |
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AARP Michigan on March 8 joined with Traverse City community leaders, including the Aging Institute of Michigan (AIM), to announce "Traverse City: Aging in Community," a partnership that will help the area position itself as a national model to attract, retain and serve older residents.
"AARP wants to promote livable communities that allow people to age with dignity and independence in the neighborhoods they call home," said AARP Michigan State Director Steve Gools, speaking at a press conference at the AIM offices at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. "We believe Traverse City is an ideal community in which to implement that vision, and AARP will invest $125,000 in locally directed projects and forums to help move the community from discussion to action."
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