Broome County Age Friendly Community Plans on So. Tier Close Up

Director of the Broome County Office for Aging, Lisa Schule is the featured guest on the weekly local public affairs program, Southern Tier Close Up to talk about the County's efforts to be designated an "Age-Friendly Community."

A network of communities that accommodate the needs and lifestyles of all residents is growing across the country due to the efforts of the AARP.

Schule says, however, there is a particular interest in the aging population as the number of people aged 60 and older in Broome County is expected to rise from 22% to 28% by 2020.

While thinking of things like transportation, affordable housing, health care and social needs of older residents is of particular interest to that demographic and their families, those issues also improve the quality of life for a broader group of people.

Schule says the effort is in its infancy at this point with partner groups working to prepare a survey that will aid in planning strategy and identifying needs.  That survey should be ready to be sent into the county in the upcoming months.

You can hear more on Southern Tier Close Up about what is going into the planning process, what resources are being identified that can help successfully initiate a plan and even what went into Broome County's decision to move forward with other communities and New York State in becoming leaders in livable communities that promote healthy living for all ages.

Southern Tier Close Up airs Sunday at 6 a.m. on Wild 104.