A Lifelong Community prepares and develops its community to better serve elders through collaboration among local leaders, businesses, organizations and government agencies. This initiative encourages successful aging and ensures the security, dignity and independence for Kansans of all ages.
Elders, along with all citizens of a community, benefit from this initiative. The quality of life for people of all ages in the community is enhanced by having access to quality health care, an efficient transportation system, universal designed housing for the continuum of life, community-based services and activities, and customer-friendly businesses.
Methodology
The most successful communities work to involve not only the aging network, but business, community leaders and volunteers as well. It is suggested a community obtain support from the local government and select a Community Steering Committee. The steering committee and size will vary with each community.
Once the application and community profile have been submitted to the Kansas Department on Aging, the development and implementation stages are an ongoing process depending upon each individual community.
Once the Community Assessment Tool is completed and submitted to KDOA by the steering committee, an action plan is developed and implemented that will benefit the seniors in the community in Lifelong areas. Each community will have Lifelong projects that are relevant to that particular community.
Communities will be certified as "Lifelong" as they successfully complete their local action plan and the verification process. All Kansas communities will be encouraged to participate
Assessment Tools
All participating communities will complete the entire Community Assessment Tool for all categories. The tool is divided into six Lifelong categories: Government, Community Service, Business, Housing, Transportation and Health Care.
Communities should select a Community Steering Committee to complete the Assessment Tool. It is recommended the committee be composed of representatives with expertise in at least one of the six Lifelong areas: Government, Community Service, Business, Housing, Transportation and Health Care. Submit the completed Assessment Tool to the Kansas Department on Aging.
Action Plans
Each participating community will develop and implement a detailed action plan to address areas needing improvement found in the initial assessment. The plans will include both long range and short range goals.
Certification
Written documentation of completion for each action plan item and a site visit will be used as verification for certification as a lifelong community. Certification will be awarded on a points system adjusted for community size and geographic region.
Lifelong Communities
The following communities have been named Lifelong Communities:
- Dodge City
- Great Bend
- Cottonwood Falls/Chase County
- Topeka
Follow these links for more information:
- Lifelong Community Events and News Media
- Lifelong Communities Initiative - Future Solutions Now for Senior Citizens Brochure
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Lifelong Communities Initiative
- Map of Kansas showing Lifelong Community sites
- Information on the Kansas Locations signed up to become Lifelong Communities
- How to become a participant in the Lifelong Communities initiative
- Internet Resources to assist Lifelong Communities
- How to contact us with feedback and Questions