The vision for the future of central Indiana is that:

The community values independence. Seniors create and manage their own schedules according to where they live and what they want to accomplish. Resources are available for all residents to live as independently as possible.

We know we have achieved this vision when:
1. The public is aware of and knows how to access information, services programs, and opportunities.
2. There is adequate planning for the transitions of aging, e.g. from paid work to another way of living.
3. The community provides and maintains the infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, lighting, signage, housing, and transportation that is safe and accessible for people of all ages.
4. Public policy and private enterprise initiate creative options for living arrangements and long-term care of seniors. Broad directions and possible actions:

1. Access to resources — Create ways for seniors and caring others to learn about and make use of services, programs and opportunities.

Possible ways you can take action:
Organize a citywide single point of entry for information on resources for seniors.
Support the 211-phone line for centralized access to services information, senior centers and programming; develop booklet, web and phone access.
Continuously inform seniors about a variety of programs that promote lifelong learning and volunteerism.
Encourage those who provide services and programs to seniors to offer discounts and incentives.

Some who can do it: Arts Council of Indianapolis, Central Indiana Association of Volunteer Administrators (CIAVA), CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Consortium for Creative Aging and Retirement, Information and Referral Network, League of Indianapolis Theatres.

2. Transition planning — Help people embrace new stages of life

Possible ways you can take action:
Help people integrate their retirement with individual areas of interest, e.g. volunteering, learning in new areas, or using acquired skills and knowledge in new ways.
Make lifelong learning programs more readily available to the elderly.
Start educational programs targeted toward K-12 to help young people see and plan for the different stages of life.

Some who can do it: AARP, Butler University, business associations , CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Community College of Indiana, Consortium for Creative Aging and Retirement, Corporate Community Council, Elderhostel, Human Resource Association of Central Indiana ( HRACI) , Indianapolis Black Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Senior Center, Indianapolis Urban League, IUPUI, Marion College, Martin University, OASIS, retiree organizations, such as Telephone Pioneers, school systems, service clubs, University of Indianapolis, United Way of Central Indiana, VISTA.

3. Choices for safe, accessible and affordable housing — Develop creative housing choices.

Possible ways you can take action:
Stimulate development of adult foster care entrepreneurs.
Expand assisted living housing in Center Township.
Stimulate the development of intergenerational neighborhoods.
Create elder friendly housing designs.
Work with the city government and developers to revitalize older neighborhoods so that they have a full range of services businesses, social services, and education. Advocate with the state legislature to support senior housing, tax credits, housing trust fund, etc.

(Also see # 3 on page 9, Safe accessible and affordable senior housing, under Building a Vision of Meeting Basic Needs 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 accessible transportation and mobility — Develop a transportation network that is senior- friendly and is based on mobility patterns of seniors in the community.

Possible ways you can take action:
Establish affordable ways to travel for all seniors regardless of income.
Expand citywide area to affordable transportation, not just access to limited locations or routes, for all seniors regardless of income.
Ensure that the public transportation system is available within a two-block radius and/ or at the doorstep for those who cannot walk.
Refine how the bus system works to minimize transfers required.
Encourage cab service in areas not adequately covered now.
Promote automobile safety with older adults.
Assist seniors in finding other modes of transportation when they can no longer drive.
Do a transportation plan for suburban and rural areas not adequately serving the elderly now.
Advocate discounted public and private transportation.
Make walking easier by having the right things in place ( such as usable sidewalks, winter lighting, crossing time at crosswalks) .

(Also see # 4 on page 10, Safe and accessible transportation and mobility, under Building a Vision of Meeting Basic Needs 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.

5. Public policy and private enterprise — Establish creative options that enable independence.

Possible ways you can take action:
Legislate state and local tax incentives to encourage senior friendly housing development, care-giving by the family, and long-term care insurance purchase.
Promote the development of new and creative living arrangements.

Some who can do it: AARP, Ball State School of Architecture, Builder's Association of Greater Indianapolis, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Evergreen Institute, federal, state and local governments, Hudson Institute, Indiana Association for Assisted Living, Indiana Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Indiana Home Care Task Force, Indiana Housing Finance Authority, Indiana General Assembly United Senior Action, and disability advocacy groups such as Noble of Indiana.