1. Complete Streets…
What’s Aging Got to Do with It?
Karen Alexander
Managing Director, NJTIP
October 21, 2013

2. The Mission of NJTIP @ Rutgers
NJTIP @ Rutgers increases the
independence and self-sufficiency of
people with disabilities, older adults and
others by empowering them to use the
public transit system safely and
independently.

3. What is Aging In Place?
“People living as independently as possible as they
age and having access to resources and services that
enable them to stay in their communities as their needs
change.”
- National Aging in Place Council

4. Age-Friendly City Topic Areas: World Health Organization

5. Asset Based Community Development
Considers local assets as the primary building blocks
of sustainable community development. Building on
the skills of local residents, the power of local
associations, and the supportive functions of local
institutions, asset-based community development
draws upon existing community strengths to build
stronger, more sustainable communities for the
future.
-
Asset Based Community Development Institute, School of Education
and Social Policy, Northwestern University

6. Defining Complete Streets
“Complete Streets are for everyone.
They are designed and operated to
enable safe access for all users,
including pedestrians, bicyclists,
motorists and transit riders of all ages
and abilities.”
- National Complete Streets Coalition

7. Different Language, Shared Values
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Inclusion
Pluralism
Participation
Proactive Change
More modes = increased independence

8. “Aging” = Three Cohorts
• The Greatest Generation (born 1901-1924)
• Silent Generation (born 1925 -1945)
• Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)

9. Age-Related Changes Impact Mobility
• Declining vision
• Decreased physical fitness and flexibility
• Reduced ability to focus
• Increased reaction time

10. Aging + Complete Streets
• Population shifts – Growth in 65+
• Pedestrian fatalities – disproportionate among elderly
• Driving Retirement and interest in mobility alternatives
• Respects long-time residents, who want to “age in place”

12. What Towns Made the “Top Ten” List?
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Maywood*
Cranford*
Tinton Falls
Cape May*
East Rutherford
* Complete Streets Municipality
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Carlstadt
Kenilworth
Rochelle Park
Hanover
Union

13. Double Whammies
Cranford
Cape May
Maywood

14. 8 Things Your Community Can Do to Age Well
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Tap into elder expertise
Engage multiple sectors*
Recognize elders as economic contributors*
Ensure older residents know about resources
Adopt an “age is everything” approach to planning*
Advocate for public transit improvements*
Increase access to health and social opportunities*
Work towards supportive housing
* Aligns with Complete Streets agenda

15. If you build it with them, they will come…
Getting on the bus and walking the walk

16. Dirty Little Secret
“The dirty little secret on this planning is that, from my
point of view, anything you design that will facilitate
access, engagement, safety, enjoyment, and
participation by older people turns out to be good for
all age groups.”
- Linda Fried, Dean
Mailman School of Public Health
Columbia University

17. Contact Information
Karen J. Alexander, MPA
Managing Director, NJTIP @ Rutgers
Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
33 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
karen.alexander@njtip.rutgers.edu
Phone (848) 932-2831
Fax (732) 932-3714