September is Healthy Aging Month, which focuses on the positive aspects of aging and how people can make decisions that will lead to healthy aging. With an anticipated doubling of the population of those aged 65 and older by 2030, local governments are challenged to prepare for this change.

In October, a new survey led by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), funded by MetLife will look closely at the progress underway in every aspect of community life--including land use and zoning, housing, transportation, social services, and civic engagement. The earlier study found that while initial steps were being taken, much more needs to be done.  A report of the survey results, which will offer examples of promising initiatives and programs implemented by local governments, will be published in May 2011.

With its partners, ICMA, Partners for Livable Communities, the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National League of Cities (NLC), and the American Planning Association (APA), n4a will survey 10,000 cities and counties across the nation and look at advances made since the last “Maturing of America” survey was conducted in 2005.