Agenda - 05-01-2012 - 7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2012-2017 Orange Covnty Master Aging Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The 2012-2017 Master Aging Plan (MAP) marks the third cycle of strategic planning for the Orange County Department on Aging (OCDOA). In 2003, the OCDOA was the first county in North Carolina to create a five-year MAP. This MAP, however, represents a shift in the methods and goals of the planning process. While the previous MAPs were also community-oriented, the 2012-2017 MAP is the first to include public input throughout every step of the process. Additionally, this is the first MAP to be based on the NC Aging Services Plan, which contains broad goals and objectives, with corresponding implementation strategies and performance measurements. The goals included in the 2012-2017 MAP are meant to address the quality of life and health issues faced by aging citizens of Orange County in a comprehensive way. For this reason, the plan covers a wide range of topics, from navigation and transportation to housing and others. The MAP is also dedicated to the promotion of equity around the county, meaning that goals were constructed with people of diverse cultures, lifestyles, geographic locations, and socioeconomic statuses in mind. The creation of these goals is the result of the involvement of diverse stakeholders throughout the planning process. The objectives and strategies listed for each goal represent the work of a variety of stakeholders throughout the MAP planning process, including Orange County citizens, professionals from local organizations, and county officials. All of these stakeholders were involved at different times during the MAP's development, beginning in summer 2011 with a community assessment and government readiness survey and ending in spring 2012 with a period of public comment. In the fall and winter of 201 1-2012, stakeholders also participated in a community kick-off event, work group meetings, and periodic MAP Management and Steering Committee meetings. The inclusion of these diverse stakeholders in developing the MAP is essential to ensuring that the plan meets the needs of a growing older adult population. The 2012-2017 MAP comes at a particularly crucial point in the history of Orange County for a number of reasons. For one, the United States population as a whole is aging. In part, this trend can be attributed to the aging of the Boomer population, or those between the ages of 47-65, who constitute the largest proportion of the current population. Additionally, with its vibrant arts and culture scene, panoramic landscapes, and proximity to the University of North Carolina, Orange County has become an increasingly popular retirement destination. Achieving the goals and objectives in the MAP is essential to preparing the county for the influx of older adults who will be using county programs and services. The success of the MAP depends on continued collaboration and community involvement over the next five years. Without the participation of p variety of community members and organizations, an integrated countywide plan will not be successful. The achievement of this plan requires the recognition that we all are aging, that this plan affects all of us, and that an aging-friendly community benefits our county as a whole. Through working together to meet the goals and objectives of the 201 2-2017 MAP, citizens and diverse organizations will help Orange County build capacity to support our aging population and ultimately improve the quality of life for our older adults.