Guiding Principles

Principle 1:

We will promote a holistic, successful aging perspective.

We will do this by creating strategies that...

Enable individuals to engage in their lives and communities according to their capacity and preferences as they age.
Take a developmental approach to aging which incorporates intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions.
Build an integrated system of support that is responsive to the strengths and needs of diverse groups of older adults (i.e., socioeconomic, gender, ethnic and racial groups as well as those across the wellness continuum).

We will increase community capacity for successful aging through an empowerment model.

We will do this by...

Including older adults as community leaders and grassroots participants.
Leveraging strengths and opportunities to address the needs of older adults and the community at large.
Forging partnerships and collaborations across community sectors to employ resources creatively, effectively and efficiently.

We will develop a process for continuous community learning regarding successful aging.

We will do this by...

Using research-based information about aging and listening to diverse perspectives as we define successful aging and develop our strategies.
Including opportunities to build expertise gradually and achieve short-term results while addressing long-range needs.
Creating a system for measuring our performance outcomes, strengthening our services, and supporting services that have proven quality and benefits.