Aging in Place Day Recognizes Colorado’s Aging Population

Successful aging-in-place usually translates into how one can stay in their homes longer and safer. Regardless of age, every American should have the option to live in a home that is comfortable, and allows them to maintain their independence and integrity.

Colorado’s Aging Population
Colorado's increasing number of older persons requires major efforts to adapt existing home environments. Nationally, there are 30 million boomers between the crucial ages of 47 and 58. According to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau. Some 61.6 percent of homeowners ages 55 to 74 bought a home in the Florida County since 1995. Nye County, Nevada, and Archuleta County, Colorado, took the second and third spots.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that over 90% of the respondents want to remain in their homes. Aging, especially with a disability, and also the young with disability, are very interested in strategies for successful "aging-in-place". Unable to continue living safely in our homes increases the chance of accidents and unnecessary injury, cost, further disability and often undesirable, expensive institutionalization.

In 2003 a group of Washington DC based professional associations joined forces to raise awareness of these issues and bring together a nationwide coalition of professionals from the private, public and non-profit sectors. In November 2003, the National Home Builders association, the National Advisory Council on Aging, and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association spearheaded the first annual National Aging in Place Week. The first year featured a variety of educational and informational events in seven US cities.

In 2004 Colorado was among 30 cities to sponsor events, and in 2005, the number of cities, and the scope and magnitude of activities in Colorado and nationwide, are expected to significantly increase.

Colorado – Second Annual Aging in Place Day – November 5th aims to highlight the need for consumer education about home modification and other strategies that promote successful Aging in Place. This event offers a variety of activities and educational events to inform the public about Aging in Place issues such as professional presentations and resource exhibits featuring topics such as reverse mortgages, home modification, and senior services that are available in the greater Denver area.

The Colorado Aging in Place Council will host the Second Annual – Aging in Place Day on Nov. 5th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the El Jebel Shrine, 4625 West 50th Avenue in Denver. This event is in support of National Aging in Place Week, which raises awareness and highlights programs and services that enable seniors to live in their homes longer. All events are free and open to the public.

In addition two panel discussions will be held:
· November 8th, 2005
Colorado Aging in Place Panel #1 — 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Place: Spirit of Christ, 7400 W 80th Ave Arvada, CO 80003
Join Joni Seivert of Connections Unlimited as she facilitates a panel on: Durable equipment; volunteer opportunities; in-home care; reverse mortgages.

· November 10th, 2005
Colorado Aging in Place Panel #2 — 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Littleton Hospital, 7700 S. Broadway St., Littleton, CO
Join Joni Seivert of Connections Unlimited as she facilitates a panel on: Durable equipment; volunteer opportunities; in-home care; reverse mortgages.

Sponsors of the Second Annual Colorado Aging in Place Day include; Rapid Medical; Capabilities; Long Term Care; Sooper Credit Union; First American Heritage; Best Homecare; 1st Reverse Mortgage USA; Connections Unlimited; Helping Hands/Faith in Action; Metro Brokers; Strategic Advantage Public Relations; WR Starkey Reverse Mortgages.

About the Colorado Aging in Place Council
The Colorado Aging in Place Council is spearheading the second annual Colorado Aging in Place Day in conjunction with National Aging in Place Week 2005. Aging in Place Week (11/5-11/12) is a national event sponsored by the National Advisory Council for Aging in Place (AIPC), in partnership with the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA), and the National Homebuilders Association.

AIP Week Activities are being organized in over 30 cities to highlight public and private sector programs including: healthcare, transportation, housing, and other supportive services that enable seniors to live in their homes longer. The primary objectives are to: (1) raise general public awareness of AIP issues, and (2) build a lasting coalition of allied business professionals in each community who can work together to assist homeowners with pursuing their personal objectives to live at home longer.

The Colorado Aging in Place Council has organized a resource day, November 5 to include exhibits and professional presentations on topics such as home modification, reverse mortgages, and a wide range of senior services available in the greater Denver area. In addition to the Resource Day, two additional educational panels are being presented at different locations. For more information visit http://www.ageinplaceincolorado.info/ or call Sue Santori at 303-854-3214