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<br />FLORIDA <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT <br /> <br />o F <br /> <br />ELDER <br /> <br />AFFAIRS <br /> <br />The ongomg process of self-assessment and improvement can help a commuillty achieve the <br />following goals: <br /> <br />. To create an inventory of services and opportunities rhat encourages independence and quality <br /> <br /> <br />oflife for older adults in your community. This inventory can be used ro market the community <br /> <br /> <br />to current residents as well as potential newcomers. <br /> <br />. To initiate partnerships with a wide variety of sectors in the community (government, business, <br /> <br /> <br />nor-for-profit and education) in order to promore rhe development of senior friendly com- <br /> <br /> <br />munity amenities. <br /> <br />Why is the state of Florida promoting <br />Communities for a Lifetime? <br /> <br />Communities for a Lifetime is intended to be a <br />resource for Florida communities challenged by: <br /> <br />· New technologies; <br /> <br />· A changing workforce and economy; <br /> <br />· Rapid population growth and the resultant strains <br /> <br />on communIty resources; <br /> <br />· Growth of the elder population as a result of new <br />residents and the aging of baby boomers; <br /> <br />· Inaccessible community facilities and resources; <br /> <br />· A fragile environment; and <br /> <br /> <br />· A desire for a community spirit that nurtures families and <br />promotes traditional intergenerational neighborhoods. <br /> <br />The capability of communities to respond to these and orher challenges varies greatly. The state <br /> <br /> <br />of Florida recognizes that many communities are already planning and implementing innovative <br /> <br /> <br />practices that could serve as models for other communities struggling with these challenges. <br /> <br />Therefore, one function of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative will be to serve as a <br /> <br /> <br />clearinghouse of information for purposes of sharing "best practices" with all participating cities, <br /> <br />towns and counties. Communities for a Lifetime provides individual communities with the ability <br /> <br /> <br />to draw on the expertise of their state and local partners in planning to meet common challenges. <br />