SACRAMENTO, September 16, 2019--The City of Berkeley is the winner of the 2019 Innovation Award presented by The SCAN Foundation in collaboration with the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging.

The Innovation Award recognizes California cities that are preparing “for the growth of their older adult populations, and embracing innovation opportunities.” The criteria are based on the Milken Institute’s Age-Forward 2030 research and three priority areas, 1) Age-Forward economic development; 2) Age-inclusive 21st-century city design; and 3) Resilient networks for healthy aging.

2019 Innovation Award Winner from The SCAN Foundation on Vimeo.

The Age-Forward 2030 initiative challenges cities and communities to prepare for an older, increasingly diverse, and economically stratified population by integrating population aging into strategies for economic growth, inclusion, and resiliency.

The City of Berkeley was recognized as the winner for its exceptional efforts to improve the lives of older adults through the Berkeley Age-Friendly Continuum’s action plan, released in January 2019. The Age-Friendly Continuum is a public/private partnership among government entities, community-based non-profits, health care providers, education institutions, and local residents to ensure an integrated, person-centered, replicable continuum of support and services for older adults and people with disabilities.

“I am honored that our city is being recognized for the creation of a plan that was truly driven by our community to address the needs of our growing senior population,” says Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín. “Older adults are at the heart of our community and a vital part of the fabric of our neighborhoods and civic life. This plan demonstrates our commitment to a livable community where all generations are included and are able to thrive.”

“The City of Berkeley exemplifies the power that cities have to change the landscape of aging and serve as incubators for innovation,” said Nora Super, senior director of the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging. “We commend Mayor ArreguÍn and the City of Berkeley for demonstrating Age-Forward principles by including older adults in their vision for a thriving future.”

In June 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order committing to the creation of a California Master Plan for Aging by October 2020. The SCAN Foundation and the Milken Institute honored the City of Berkeley as part of The SCAN Foundation’s California Master Plan for Aging Forum held in Sacramento on September 16.

“The Master Plan can help ensure that older Californians live fulfilling, independent lives in the places they call home—with all sectors working together on an efficient, strategic approach for older adults and the caregivers who stand by them,” said Dr. Bruce Chernof, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “Cities like Berkeley provide outstanding examples of ways we can accomplish meaningful change in California.”
 

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About the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging 
The Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging is nonpartisan, independent, collaborative, and solutions-focused. Its mission is to improve lives and strengthen societies by promoting healthy, productive, and purposeful aging. For more information, visit aging.milkeninstitute.org 

About The SCAN Foundation 
The SCAN Foundation is an independent public charity devoted to advancing a coordinated and easily navigated system of high-quality services for older adults that preserve dignity and independence. For more information, visit www.thescanfoundation.org