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Question 7
S.M.A.R.T.
EPA National Community Recognition Program
QUESTION 7
Background
In order to ensure that your smart growth strategies help you reach your goals for active aging and physical activity within your community, you must develop concrete linkages between the two approaches. While principles of smart growth do not directly address the needs of older adults, they are certainly complementary to principles of active aging, and, with a little focused effort during the planning process, your smart growth initiatives can ensure a community that fosters a healthy, active environment for older adults. For example, additional considerations to address functional limitations among older adults can tie into smart growth principles:
- Accommodate pedestrians with walkable neighborhoods, keeping in mind safety precautions for older adults such longer cross walk signals, increased lines of visibility and adequate lighting at night
- Provide a variety of housing, commercial and retail uses in town centers that encourage walking and activity
- Preserve open space and aesthetically pleasing places for older adults to visit
- Focus on improving existing community resources to encourage active aging, such as retrofitting sidewalks to provide continuity when walking
- Develop a range of transportation options, keeping the needs of older adults in mind
- Encourage collaboration in your community on development decisions
Getting Started
Begin the process with a clear understanding of your community’s plans and strategies for smart growth. Once this process has been completed, begin to evaluate opportunities for relating relevant active aging initiatives within your smart growth framework. Encourage community participation in this process, particularly by older adults, after ensuring education on the principles of smart growth and active aging. The links below provide case studies and principles on creating linkages between smart growth and active aging.
Internet Resources on Creating Linkages between Smart Growth and Active Aging
Funder’s Network
Aging and Smart Growth
http://www.fundersnetwork.org/files/aging_paper.pdf (16 pp, 399K, About PDF) 
Partners for Livable Communities
Aging in Place Work Program
http://www.livable.com/program-areas/aging-in-place/overview
Funder’s Network
Health and Smart Growth: Building Health, Promoting Active Communities
http://www.fundersnetwork.org/files/Health_and_Smart_Growth.pdf (20 pp, 398K, About PDF)
Active Living by Design
http://www.activelivingbydesign.org/fileadmin/template/documents/Primer_Low_Res.pdf (8 pp, 366K, About PDF)