Live-Love-Laugh: Creating Livable Communities

Are we prepared for the aging trends in our region?  Come learn how farsighted communities are implementing global best practices as they prepare for the rise of the over 60 population at the second annual SilverSource Autumn Breakfast, entitled Live-Love-Laugh: Creating Livable Communities.  Hear experts Lindsay Goldman, Deputy Director of Healthy Aging, NY Academy of Medicine and Project Director for Age-Friendly NYC; and Julia Evans Starr, former Executive Director of Connecticut’s Legislative Commission on Aging as they detail the challenges facing our communities and share innovative solutions.

The SilverSource Autumn Breakfast takes place on Thursday, October 27th at the Italian Center of Stamford, located at 1620 Newfield Avenue in Stamford, CT and tickets are now on sale.  Participants will also enjoy a presentation of the first annual SilverSource Awards, recognizing those making a significant difference in the lives of older adults, and will learn key findings from the SilverSource “Voice of the Community Survey”.  Registration and networking begins at 7am, followed by a seated breakfast and programming at 7:30am.  To order tickets or inquire about sponsorship, visit www.SilverSource.org or call 203-324-6584.  SilverSource would like to thank media sponsor, Stamford Plus.

“The CT Data Collaborative and CT Legislative Commission on Aging projects that between 2010 and 2040 the over 65 population will grow by 57% in Connecticut, which means there are going to be a lot more older adults in our local communities,” said Kathleen Bordelon, Executive Director of SilverSource, Inc.  “Local government must prepare for the shift by understanding the needs of this population, recognizing infrastructure impacts, and taking steps to put accommodations in place so that our region is a place where people will want to continue to live as they age.” 

According to the US Census, the population of people aged 65 and over is projected to be 98 million in 2060, which is more than double that population in 2014.   The baby boomers began turning age 65 in 2011, and all of them will be this age or older in 2030.  Furthermore, research tells us that the vast majority of older adults want to age where they currently live, so local communities must determine how best to provide access to the opportunities, resources and information that will benefit this population’s quality of life. 

Fortunately, there are individuals, organizations, businesses and community groups that are currently taking an active role in enriching the lives of older adults and enhancing our region as a place to live and retire.  With the introduction of the first annual SilverSource Awards, the organization will recognize a Fairfield County volunteer, an individual and a business, organization or community group that is providing significant improvements to the quality of life of older adults.  These awards will be presented at the breakfast event.

Additionally, findings from the recently completed SilverSource “Voice of the Community” needs assessment survey will be revealed.  The survey explores the concerns and needs of neighborhoods and consumers.  This information is crucial to understanding the livability of our region, and identifying where improvements can be made. 

About Lindsay Goldman

Lindsay Goldman is Deputy Director of Healthy Aging at the NY Academy of Medicine (NYAM) and is the Project Director for Age-friendly NYC, a public/private initiative to improve the quality of life for older adults in NYC through changes to policies, practices and programs. Lindsay has over 12 years of experience in program development and administration, aging services, philanthropy, and social policy. She is the lead author of the New York Academy of Medicine’s (NYAM) new report, Resilient Communities: Empowering Older Adults in Disasters and Daily Life, and received a Best Practice Award for her work from the National Council on Aging in 2008.

About Julia Evans Starr

Julia Evans Starr, MSW, is a leading authority on issues affecting the growing and diverse population of older adults. Julia led Connecticut’s Commission on Aging for over twenty years and now serves as an aging policy consultant.  Through her work she identifies emerging trends, promotes best practices and seeks responsible solutions.  She prepares and delivers expert testimony at critically important Connecticut General Assembly public hearings and serves as a credible, objective source of information for legislators, decision-makers in all levels of government and the private sector. Among other recent legislative gains, she worked with the Connecticut General Assembly to pass comprehensive reforms to prevent elder abuse and established and implemented the Connecticut for Livable Communities initiative.

About SilverSource, Inc.

SilverSource, formerly known as Senior Services of Stamford, was founded in 1908. It is an independent, 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides information, financial support, and other services that positively improve the quality of life for people over age 60 while serving as a resource center and referral source for older adults and their families. SilverSource, Inc., is located at 2009 Summer Street in Stamford, CT  06905.  For more information visit www.silversource.org or call 203.324.6584

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Submitted by Stamford, CT

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