What does this "Age Boom" mean?
As Hoosiers grow older, most will remain in their own homes and communities. Contrary to the common perception of massive relocation to retirement communities in sunnier climes, people aged 65-85 are the least likely of any age group to move.

New Opportunities and Challenges
These demographic trends present new opportunities and challenges to our community. Indianapolis will have a larger population of vital, independent older residents who can be a source of substantial civic, social, and financial "capital." They can serve as volunteers and activists, board members and elected officials, funders and community leaders. Indianapolis will also have to provide services to an increasing number of frail and disabled older adults, some of whom have significant health care, housing, transportation, and other needs.

The AdvantAge Initiative: Building an Elder-Friendly Indianapolis
The AdvantAge Initiative is a community-building effort whose principal focus is creating a vibrant and elder-friendly Indianapolis. The goal is to help our community prepare for this demographic explosion and meet the needs and nurture the aspirations of older adults. In short, we want Indianapolis to be AdvantAged!

There has been a great deal of behind-the-scenes work that has taken place over the last two years, including two major activities:

1. A comprehensive, statistically valid survey of more than 500 Indianapolis seniors 65 and older was conducted in 2002. The results of this survey will provide our community with a snapshot of how well seniors are faring here in Indianapolis on a host of important issues. They will help us inform community planners, government and civic leaders — indeed the entire community — about needs and issues that must be addressed. To view these survey results, click on the appropriate domain area.

2. Publication of a The AdvantAge Initiative Action Guide, which serves as a "blueprint for change,' listing 58 separate recommendations which, if adopted, will help Indianapolis become an "elder-friendly" community. The Action Guide and its recommendations will serve as a guide to Initiative officials and participants in the months ahead. Go to the Action Guide.