The vision for the future of central Indiana is that:

All older adults have their physical and social needs met to ensure an adequate and satisfactory quality of life in accord with their needs and desires. Food, shelter, transportation and socialization are available and accessible.

We know we have achieved this vision when:
1. The social safety net provides for income adequate to obtain basic nutrition and affordable, barrier free housing.
2. New options for senior housing that promote a high quality of life for seniors are available.
3. All seniors have access to affordable transportation.

Broad directions and possible actions:

1. Social safety net — Ensure that the gaps in the social safety net for older persons are closed.

Possible ways you can take action:
Identify the needs of older persons as an organizational priority.
Advocate for public policymakers to support the needs of older persons.

Some who can do it: AARP, The Blueprint to End Homelessness, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Community Centers of Indianapolis, faith-based communities, federal, state and local governments, The Family Strengthening Coalition, Family Violence Community-wide Plan ( Domestic Violence Network) ,Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc., The Hispanic Center, Indianapolis Senior Citizens Center, philanthropic organizations, information and assistance organizations, Urban League, United Way of Central Indiana, United Senior Action disability groups such as ARC of Indiana.

2. Financial independence — Create and support actions that encourage financial independence among seniors.

Possible ways you can take action:
Advocate for social legislation to increase social security benefits above the poverty level and to expand coverage to those previously not covered.
Develop a plan to help people integrate retirement with work.
Initiate a pilot program created by employers to demonstrate creating jobs for retirees.
Advocate for policies that educate and protect older adults from predatory lending practices and other fraudulent activities.

Some who can do this: AARP, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Consumer Credit Counseling, Corporate Community Council, Human Resources Association of Central Indiana (HRACI), Indiana Attorney General's Office, Indianapolis Black Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Home Care Task Force, United Senior Action.

3. Safe, accessible and affordable senior housing — Actively encourage the creation and growth of safe, accessible and affordable senior housing.

Possible ways you can take action:
Stimulate allocation of planning funds for senior housing options.
Expand existing efforts to increase affordable housing stock (i.e., Fall Creek Place)

(Also see # 3 on page 12, Choices for safe, accessible and affordable housing, under Building a Vision of Independence for additional actions.)

Some who can do it: Ball State University School of Architecture, Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis, Community Development Corporations, Department of Metropolitan Development, federal, state and local governments, Indiana Housing Finance Authority, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, philanthropic organizations, United Senior Action.

4. Safe and affordable transportation — Actively encourage the creation of safe and affordable transportation.

Possible ways you can take action:
Expand area-wide access to affordable transportation, not just access to limited locations or routes, for all seniors regardless of income.
Assist seniors in finding other modes of transportation when they can no longer drive.

(Also see # 4 on page 13, Safe and accessible transportation and mobility, under Building a Vision of Independence for additional actions.)

Some who can do it: AARP, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, City of Indianapolis, federal, state and local governments, Indianapolis Department of Transportation, IndyGo, Metropolitan Planning Organization, transportation providers of all kinds, United Senior Action, disability advocacy groups such as Noble of Indiana.