Conroy hails bill to establish a Livable Communities Initiative

0
25
Theresa Conroy
Theresa Conroy

HARTFORD — State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-105) hailed House passage last week of legislation that would establish a Livable Communities Initiative to help towns become more “senior-friendly” as the population of the state ages.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Conroy, requires the Commission on Aging to establish a Livable Communities Initiative to serve as a forum for best practices and a resource clearinghouse to help municipal and state leaders design communities that allow residents to age in their own homes.

“Connecticut is aging,” said Conroy in a press release. “We need to help our cities and towns become more livable for seniors who chose to live at home. The Livable Communities Initiative will be a one-stop resource for municipalities as they wrestle with complex issues like wellness, housing, transportation and public safety for an aging population.”

According to the Connecticut Commission on Aging, Connecticut is the seventh oldest state in the nation, with 507,000 residents over the age of 65, the release stated. The over-65 segment will grow by more than 64 percent between 2006 and 2030.

Conroy will meet with Commission on Aging Executive Director Julie Evans Starr on the issue this week, according to the release.

“I am looking forward to working with the Commission on Aging to begin to plan on how we can address issues affecting seniors in the district,” Conroy said.

The legislation was forwarded to state Senate for action.