In a vibrant, elder-friendly community people say “yes” to life. They engage in service to the community, and they have opportunities for meaningful work. Family, neighbors, and friends maintain meaningful connections with one another, and older adults have opportunities to give and receive practical and social support. Residents participate in intergenerational community activities - social, civic, cultural, and recreational. Life-long learning is available to everyone.

To increase civic engagement and access to civic opportunities

2008-09 Priorities:

• Educate people about civic opportunities
• Create a civic bulletin marketed to those 55+, distribute bulletin to senior centers, senior housing facilities, and advertise in local newspapers
• Collaborate with transportation services to ensure access to civic opportunities
• Create different marketing messages to target different populations (boomers, 65-75, oldest old, etc.)

2007 Priorities:

• To define social and civic engagement for our current elders, and then work towards increasing elder leadership and participation within non-profits, boards and commissions, faith communities, professional organizations, and school districts.
• How representative are elders on boards and community organizations, and how can we encourage seniors to get involved?

2007 Accomplishments

This work group developed and distributed a survey to city and county muicipalities, non-profit agencies, faith communities, service organizations and school districts across Boulder County. The goal of the survey was to determine the current level of engagement of people on volunteer boards and commissions by age, gender and ability. For more information, please view the Report to Community.