WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a call to action, the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) released a white paper today outlining federal policy priorities in advance of its 2014 Annual Meeting on June 9th and 10th. Given the wave of Baby Boomers retiring and soon to retire, the trade organization believes country is at a pivotal moment to build the infrastructure allowing seniors to comfortably stay in their homes. Foreclosures due to prohibitive healthcare costs, lack of access to transportation, smaller pensions and isolation are compounded by the sheer numbers of Americans ready to retire.
First and foremost, the white paper seeks to define what aging in place means for seniors today. More active, better educated and longer living than their parents, Baby Boomers will need the infrastructure and services in place to support their current quality of life. This white paper defines aging in place and makes recommendations on how best to achieve an environment where it is possible. “Aging in place is a lifestyle choice. It involves housing, health and wellness, personal finance, transportation, community involvement, and support,” says Marty Bell, NAIPC Executive Director.
Through thoughtful implementation of federal policy recommendations in a few key areas, millions of seniors facing retirement age can maintain their independence and active, healthy lifestyle longer, ultimately resulting in significant cost savings for the government. The paper also discusses the importance of community among seniors, and suggests ways to enhance and enrich the opportunities available to seniors who choose to remain in their homes as they age.
Based on findings from 2013’s NAIPC Annual Meeting, the memo highlights four policy priorities:
- Healthcare and Caregiving
- Housing
- Personal Finance
- Transportation
The Annual Meeting, titled “How to Make A Difference in Your Community,” will take place in at The Resources and Conservation Center in Washington D.C. and will discuss the initiatives set forth in the policy paper, as well as continue to define and advance the agenda of the national aging in place movement.
The National Aging In Place Council
The National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) is a trade association of service providers dedicated to working together to help aging persons live a healthy and comfortable life at home. With chapters across the country, NAIPC brings unifies otherwise disconnected resources dedicated to independent aging at home into a single powerful force.