Area 5: Quality of Life

Older adults are producers, consumers, leaders, community and family members, and when their potential is maximized, people of all ages benefit. The ultimate goal as people age is to maintain their quality of life. This can mean anything from a trip to a beauty parlor to something profound like communicating and preserving personal stories to create a special family legacy. It means being as mentally and physically active as possible. It means continuing to make a contribution to their community, family, and friends.

Action Item 5.1 – Improve caregiver health and well-being. Support parents and children in their caregiver roles throughout their stages of life.

• Develop support and respite programs for persons caring for older persons in their home.


• Develop support for grandparents taking care of their grandchildren including assistance with obtaining benefits, respite, and other support systems.

Action Item 5.2 – Integrate active aging as a fundamental part of the everyday lifestyle. The concept of active aging is a fundamental component of age-friendly communities. Active aging results from a variety of physical, social, psychological, physiological, and economic factors, as well as experiences accumulated throughout the life course.

• Create a program for older persons to purchase recycled bicycle or other exercise equipment and receive follow up maintenance support under a fee structure they can afford.


• Promote walkable access to the community where appropriate and feasible.


• Create more bicycling and walking options that safely connect residential areas to community centers.


• Educate and empower individuals of all ages and abilities to positively affect their own health and well-being through engaging in healthy behaviors (e.g., being physically active, eating healthy foods, staying engaged) as well as understanding and working to improve the social conditions that influence how well people age.


• Utilize the World Health Organization's Tool Kit or similar tools for promoting active aging.


• Explore strategies for reducing barriers to accessing City recreation programs and open up or expand hours of availability of school-based recreation facilities and equipment to the community


• Continue to expand the Chesapeake Community Centers and Senior Centers to meet the increasing anticipated demand.