Over the past year, Innovations in Aging Collaborative and our Age Friendly partners have diligently worked to make Colorado Springs more livable for people of all ages. Some of our notable accomplishments from 2018 are listed below:
Initiated Improvements along the Sand Creek Trail
Building on a 2017 walk audit, AARP awarded funding to Innovations in Aging to add a bench and a light on the Sand Creek Trail. These improvements will be built in 2019, and they will advance placemaking efforts in Southeast Colorado Springs.
Launched the BankSafe Pilot
Innovations in Aging, Silver Key and Ent Credit Union led the effort to secure Colorado’s spot as a pilot state for the new BankSafe training. BankSafe empowers front line employees to identify the signs of financial abuse and exploitation of older adults.
Hosted Ashton Applewhite
On August 14, Innovations in Aging hosted Ashton Applewhite, an author and prolific activist against ageism. In collaboration with the UCCS Aging Center, Aging2.0 Denver Chapter and Seniors Matter, Silver Key Senior Services, and AARP Colorado, Innovations in Aging Collaborative presented, “Let’s Talk About Ageism: A Morning with Anti-Ageism Activist, Ashton Applewhite.” Ashton Applewhite is the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism.
Engaged with Plan COS
The Board and staff of Innovations in Aging actively advocated for the addition of Age Friendly initiatives into the City’s comprehensive plan update, Plan COS. Following advocacy efforts, Age Friendly Colorado Springs was included as a partner entity plan in Plan COS. Colorado Springs City Council is in the process of reviewing the final draft and will vote on its adoption in early 2019.
Published the Age Friendly Colorado Springs Midway Progress Report
In December 2018, Innovations in Aging published the Age Friendly Colorado Springs Midway Progress Report. This report details the progress IIAC and our Age Friendly partners have made in the past two and a half years. The report also highlights notable accomplishments and next-steps. Read the full report here.
Looking Forward to 2019
In 2019, Innovations in Aging and our Age Friendly partners will continue to work on the 150 plus action items in the Age Friendly Colorado Springs Plan. Looking to 2019, there are a few programs and initiatives we are especially excited about.
Working with Elevated Insights to research older adults and caregivers
In late 2018, we contracted Elevated Insights, a local boutique market research firm, to conduct research on older adults and care givers in the area. Their research will be finished in early 2019, and it will help guide the development and implementation of a senior services online resource portal.
Engaging the Quad to study affordable housing for older adults
Starting the in Spring semester 2019 and running through the Fall semester of 2019, Innovations in Aging, with the support of the RNR Foundation, will engage the Quad Innovation Partnership to study and develop an affordable housing idea for older adults. This project will elevate awareness of the critical need for affordable senior housing and embedded social services in the Pikes Peak Region.
