Today, more than 300 livable community initiatives are under way nationwide, and state and federal agencies are awarding grants to research, test and implement new models. Creative and unexpected partnerships are forming among private businesses, municipal departments, government agencies, aging experts, nonprofits, academia, social service organizations, grassroots advocacy groups and senior centers to brainstorm how to make their city or town age-friendly for both the very active and the very frail. They conclude that what is good for older people — lots of parks, opportunities to exercise, healthy food, a safe and convenient transit system — is also good for everyone else. And there's the money factor, too: Residents add to the tax coffers. People move to places that address their needs.

Getting ready for tomorrow becomes especially critical in light of recent AARP research showing that 89 percent of the 50-plus population want to remain in their homes as long as possible, and, if not, at least in their community. "We're dealing with the issue head on, and not waiting until there's a crisis," says Christine Knapp, director of outreach at Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture), an environmental advocacy organization that has partnered with 130 other groups to work on Philly's aging issue. "Rather than just asking what seniors' needs are, we're figuring out what we can all do to incorporate them into our planning so they can be an active part of their communities for the rest of their lives."

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