Inglewood is taking significant steps towards becoming a more age-friendly city, as outlined in a recent government meeting focused on the implementation of an Age-Friendly Action Plan. The initiative aims to address the growing needs of the senior population, which currently comprises over 30% of Inglewood's residents, with projections indicating a substantial increase in the number of older adults in the coming years.

The meeting highlighted key data from a Colorado study indicating a projected 32.3% growth in the population aged 65 and over by 2032. Local statistics reveal that nearly 21% of Inglewood's residents are over the age of 60, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing services for this demographic.

The proposed action plan includes six core areas of focus: food security and nutrition, personal safety, housing and aging in place, cyber safety and technology assistance, and financial health resources. The plan aims to enrich the lives of older adults by expanding existing programs and identifying gaps in services.

To gather input from the senior community, the city plans to conduct annual surveys and host biannual town hall meetings, ensuring that the voices of older residents are heard. The meeting also discussed the importance of intergenerational programming, such as a pen pal initiative with local schools, to foster connections between younger and older residents.

Council members expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for outreach to ensure that all seniors are aware of available resources. They also discussed potential partnerships with local agencies to enhance transportation options and food security for older adults.

The Age-Friendly Action Plan aligns with broader state initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of an aging population, including the establishment of a strategic action planning group on aging in Colorado. The city of Inglewood is committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports the well-being of its older residents, ensuring they can live safely and actively within their community.