Age-Focused Planning Initiative

Age-Focused Planning Initiative

Overview

A planning effort facilitated by Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) in partnership with Cheshire Medical Center aimed at better understanding the needs of all ages regarding housing, transportation, employment, social engagement, and civic participation.

The project is intended to improve understanding of the issues and needs relative to promoting age-friendly communities in the Southwest Region of New Hampshire. Individual communities and other stakeholders in the Region will be provided with findings, recommendations and guidance for establishing a policy basis as well as specific strategies for becoming more age-friendly including priority focus areas for consideration in local master plans and land use regulations.

The Need

In Southwest New Hampshire, the proportion of the population that is 65+ is growing faster than any other age group while the total population is showing little to no growth. Projections indicate that this cohort will increase from 15% to 26% of the total population between 2010 and 2040. As of 2010, over 80% of the Region’s municipalities had a median age exceeding that of the state. In contrast to our senior population, the number of children under the age of 15 decreased by 14% between 2000 and 2010. While total housing units have increased since 2000, older householders are increasing while younger ones are declining.