Complete Streets…What’s Aging Got to Do with It?

 Karen Alexander

Managing Director, NJTIPOctober 21, 2013

The Mission of NJTIP @ Rutgers

NJTIP @ Rutgers increases the independence and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, older adults and others by empowering them to use the public transit system safely and independently.

What is Aging In Place?

“People living as independently as possible as they age and having access to resources and services that enable them to stay in their communities as their needs change.”

- National Aging in Place Council

Age-Friendly City Topic Areas: World Health Organization

Asset Based Community Development

Considers local assets as the primary building blocks of sustainable community development. Building on the skills of local residents, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions, asset-based community development draws upon existing community strengths to build stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.

- Asset Based Community Development Institute, School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University

Defining Complete Streets

“Complete Streets are for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.”

- National Complete Streets Coalition

Different Language, Shared Values• Inclusion• Pluralism• Participation• Proactive Change• More modes = increased

independence

“Aging” = Three Cohorts

• The Greatest Generation (born 1901-1924)

• Silent Generation (born 1925 -1945)

• Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)

Age-Related Changes Impact Mobility

• Declining vision

• Decreased physical fitness and flexibility

• Reduced ability to focus

• Increased reaction time

Aging + Complete Streets

• Population shifts – Growth in 65+

• Pedestrian fatalities – disproportionate among elderly

• Driving Retirement and interest in mobility alternatives

• Respects long-time residents, who want to “age in place”

What Towns Made the “Top Ten” List?

• Maywood*• Cranford*• Tinton Falls• Cape May*• East Rutherford

• Carlstadt• Kenilworth• Rochelle Park• Hanover• Union

* Complete Streets Municipality

Double Whammies

MaywoodCape May

Cranford

8 Things Your Community Can Do to Age Well • Tap into elder expertise• Engage multiple sectors*• Recognize elders as economic contributors*• Ensure older residents know about resources• Adopt an “age is everything” approach to

planning*• Advocate for public transit improvements*• Increase access to health and social

opportunities*• Work towards supportive housing

* Aligns with Complete Streets agenda

If you build it with them, they will come…

Getting on the bus and walking the walk

Dirty Little Secret

“The dirty little secret on this planning is that, from my point of view, anything you design that will facilitate access, engagement, safety, enjoyment, and participation by older people turns out to be good for all age groups.”

- Linda Fried, Dean Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University

Contact Information

Karen J. Alexander, MPAManaging Director, NJTIP @ RutgersAlan M. Voorhees Transportation CenterRutgers, The State University of New Jersey33 Livingston AvenueNew Brunswick, New Jersey 08901karen.alexander@njtip.rutgers.eduPhone (848) 932-2831Fax (732) 932-3714