As Atlanta slowly emerges from the recession, the region must stare clear-eyed at a future that will be unlike our past. Far from the world Atlantans experienced 100, 50 or even 15 years ago, life in the 21st century has already been full of changes, longevity being among the most far-reaching.
In 1900, average life expectancy barely hit the high 40s. Today, in some parts of the Atlanta region, average life expectancy reaches into the mid-80s. Not only are we living longer, but the region has one of the fastest-growing older adult populations in the country. Over the next 25 years, the 60-plus population will explode, rising from 9 percent today to more than 20 percent in 2040. The challenge is that our region was built for the young, but to thrive in the 21st century, it must be a region for all.
The Atlanta Regional Commission believes longevity will so profoundly reshape housing, transportation, services and the economy that we must thoughtfully prepare and creatively re-imagine how we live. Redesigning a 50-year-old service delivery system and communities that were built for families with children is imperative, and we have no time to waste. Fortunately, policymakers are beginning to think about these needs in a fundamentally new way.
Less than a month ago, ARC was invited to Washington to share the expertise we have developed over the years on how to diversify housing options, re-balance transportation investments, create walkable communities that keep people of all ages healthy and engaged, and offer the supports and services to help residents stay out of hospitals and nursing homes. Our challenge, as we reported to this group of economists, lenders and developers, is that we are not positioned to do any of these things on a regional scale.
As metro Atlanta and the nation recover from a definitive downturn in the economy, we have an opportunity to consider a new direction for our growth, and to reassess our values and desires as we steadily begin to invest again in our future. Unfortunately, scarce resources are another reality of the 21st century. We have to prioritize and strategically invest if we are to stretch limited dollars to meet growing needs. We spend money each day in this region shaping, repairing and maintaining the places we live. Grounded in the day-to-day experience of older Atlantans, we can target these dollars for greater benefit.
ARC, as the Area Agency on Aging, and our partners provide excellent service delivery and a strong commitment to the people we serve. However, creating a community for all is not the work of one agency or organization. It is a complex challenge that requires a common vision and collective action. To begin, ARC is hosting “Community Conversations” to listen to what individuals, organizations and service providers believe are the most important ways to care for older adults and support caregivers. The results will create a road map to guide this region’s investments. Come and lend your voice to the dialogue.
The future will not be like the past. We must invent a different way forward that addresses the new reality of longevity rather than rely on policies of the past that no longer reflect who we are. To find a Community Conversation near you or to join the conversation online, visit www.atlantaregional.com/aging.
Kathryn Lawler is health and aging resources manager for the Atlanta Regional Commission.
