Auburn Hills recognized as a “Community for a Lifetime” for efforts to be an aging-friendly community

Media contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; 248.651.7536 cell: 586.817.8414; barbara@eafocus.com; Stephanie Carroll, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6802; scarroll@auburnhills.org             

Auburn Hills, MI—May 8, 2013—The City of Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovation and growth, is pleased to announce the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) and the Commission on Services to the Aging designated Auburn Hills as a “Community for a Lifetime”. The recognition is for the city’s efforts to be an aging-friendly community.

As part of a nationwide effort to respond to the needs of a rapidly aging population, the “Community for a Lifetime” recognition was established in 2007. Qualifying communities must conduct “a self-assessment or initiate an improvement that meets the program’s aging-friendly goals.”

The OSA noted Auburn Hills’ strengths include a range of home chore services options, multiple community events to promote inclusion and civic engagement and a comprehensive walkway system. According to Assistant City Manager Tom Tanghe, the city conducted a self-assessment on numerous issues including walkability, access to health care, transportation, safety and security, housing, supportive community systems, commerce, enrichment and inclusion.

“As a city and a community we are constantly striving for inclusion of residents of all ages, but we never lose sight of the changing needs of residents as they age,” said Tanghe. “With a walkable downtown, an active senior center and senior-focused activities, and numerous outreach services, including a Meals on Wheels program that delivered more than 10,000 meals to homebound seniors in 2012, the city is notably engaged in improving the quality of life for our senior community. We are honored to have our efforts recognized by the state.”

To learn more about the Auburn Hills Senior Citizen Services, contact director Karen Adcock at 248-364-6794 or kadcock@auburnhills.org. To learn more about the Community for a Lifetime program, visit the CFL program page on the OSA website.