First Phase of Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative Complete

As part of Governor Ernie Fletcher’s ongoing efforts to enhance services and support for aging Kentuckians and their communities, the first phase of the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative (KERI) was recently completed. KERI is designed to help communities assess strengths and weakness in their capacity to cope with the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities of a rapidly growing elder population.
 
“By the year 2025, Kentucky will move from 27th to 14th among states with the greatest percentage of total population older than 65,” Governor Fletcher said. “Knowing this population shift is coming gives us the chance to begin now helping communities plan and develop strategies to become elder-friendly in places where Kentuckians can retire and age in place while enjoying a robust quality of life.”
 
KERI is a two-year collaborative effort among the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), the University of Kentucky Graduate Center for Gerontology, and the state’s 15 Area Agencies on Aging. The initiative focuses on four areas related to elder preparedness and planning for the aging of the Baby Boomers: community resources; health and safety; quality of life; and community involvement.
 
During Phase One, KERI partners hosted 30 focus groups and 15 community forums across the state to assess what Kentuckians are thinking about such issues as retirement, service needs and community planning that will be required as Baby Boomers age. Approximately 1,000 Kentuckians representing 85 counties, plus stakeholders from Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia have participated in the project thus far. 
 
“I had the great pleasure of meeting with residents and leaders of several local communities to discuss how we ensure strong communities that are prepared for the Baby Boomers,” said CHFS Secretary Mark D. Birdwhistell. “Kentucky’s future depends on developing a strategy now for senior adults to thrive in their golden years.”
 
In an effort to include underrepresented community groups, Phase II of the project will provide an opportunity for all Kentuckians to offer input into the final report through a statewide survey that will be available through libraries, community and senior centers and on the KERI website. This will allow individuals of all ages and all areas of the communities to assist in the planning effort. 
 
The final phase of KERI will include a community forum in each of the 15 Area Development Districts to present findings from the project. Local residents and agencies will be encouraged to use the final report as they plan for the coming population shift and prepare for the impact it will have on their communities. 
 
“Preliminary findings suggest most Kentuckians are unaware of the magnitude of the changes, both positive and negative, that our commonwealth will confront,” Birdwhistell said. “Every community in Kentucky must face this challenge head-on.” 

Elder Kentuckians Benefiting from State Efforts

In addition to the KERI project, Governor Ernie Fletcher and CHFS Secretary Mark D. Birdwhistell also have supported elder adults in Kentucky through the launch of several other initiatives: