Ways to Engage:

Government Entities

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Community Connectedness

Older adults are connected to their communities and participate in community life.

 

• Provide outreach to senior population with positions on boards and dommissions.

• Identify places of high socioeconomic disparity and support opportunities in those areas for easily accessed community engagement.

• Create senior advisory boards in each community.

 

Transportation

Every older adult is able to access and afford transportation to resources.

 

• Commit to the process of becoming an Age-Friendly city/county.

• Make enhancing transportation options a priority in your strategic planning process.

• Consider bringing a county tax initiative to voters to raise funds for additional senior transportation options, including developing an Uber or Silver Ride model program.

 

Varied Housing Options

Older adults have access to affordable, safe and healthy housing.

 

• Promote the increased development of low income senior housing.

• Advocate with HUD to increase Section 8 housing for Sonoma County.

• Promote and support increased implementation of universal design.

 

Healthy Living

Older adults have the resources and support to engage in healthy living including good nutrition and self-care, physical activity, positive mental health, chronic disease prevention and freedom from unhealthy addictions.

 

• Provide free or reduced access to park facilities.

• Commit to becoming an Age-Friendly city and building walkable communities.

• Promote a tobacco-free Sonoma County.

 

Lifelong Learning

Older adults have access to education and training and are adequately prepared for the challenges of the future.

 

• Identify funding streams for city owned senior centers to provide free or low cost classes and training programs.

 

Employment and Financial Security

Older adults, and their families, have access to economic resources, services and support to live independently.

 

• Advocate and support funding that will reduce disparities among our older adult population.

 

Health and Community-Based Social Services

Ensure that all older adults have access to the continuum of healthcare and community based services that they need to achieve optimal health and well-being.

 

• Support policy that improves access to healthcare and promotes wellness and healthy lifestyles.

• Support the work of health and community based organizations in your respective communities through funding, policy and waivers.

 

Outdoor Spaces and Buildings

Ensure that older adults can access and participate fully in activities, events and services at community parks, buildings and facilities.

 

• Improve pedestrian crossing lights to allow sufficient time for crossing the road and provide adequate visual and audio signals.

• Ensure that pavements are non-slip, wide enough for wheelchairs and walkers and have dropped curbs to road level.

• Maintain and promote the priority of public safety in all open spaces and buildings.

 

Communication and Information

Ensure that older adults are able to access essential information and communication resources, allowing them to be informed about and participate in community services and activities.

 

• Ensure there is wide access to computers and the internet, at no or minimal charge, in public places such as government offices, community centers and libraries.

• Support the maintenance and continuing improvement of the 2-1-1 information and referral system.