Cart paths great for older residents

Peachtree CIty has been lauded by a new report as one of 10 communities in the United States that has a great idea for helping meet the needs of an aging population.

The report specifically cited the city’s expansion of the golf cart path system, which allows seniors to get around without having to use a car. It was commissioned by the National Association of Area Agencies, also known as n4a, and by the MetLife Foundation.

A New Hampshire community was lauded for modifying its zoning ordinance to provide an “affordable senior housing” zone without minimum lot sizes to encourage the development of smaller structures suitable for empty nesters.

Five Massachusetts towns were also recognized for having a tax reduction/tax work-off program for seniors who are community volunteers.

Another city in Massachusetts was honored for maintaining emergency medical information files for every senior as well as an Alzheimer’s tracking system.

Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon said he was pleased with the honor, as the city needs to prepare for the dramatic increase coming in the senior population.

“It’s kind of what we’re trying to do with this senior development with Levitt and Sons,” Logsdon said, referring to a proposal to annex more than 700 homes marketed exclusively for “active adults” who won’t have to worry about landscaping or keeping their schedules full with leisure activities.

“I just think the city is a great place for all ages to live,” Logsdon added.

The full report is available online at www.n4a.org. The n4a is an umbrella organization for more than 800 agencies advocating for resources and support services for older Americans.

When the baby boom generation hits its peak in 2030, the number of people over age 65 will grow to one out of every five Americans, according to n4a.

“To respond to the rapid rise in their aging population, communities will need to provide larger street signage, accessible housing, age appropriate fitness programs as well as lifelong learning and job re-training opportunities,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of n4a. “Although targeted to an aging population, these services would improve the quality of life for citizens of all ages.”

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