Committed To Becoming More Age-Friendly
Dunedin United States of America
Dunedin has been at the forefront in meeting the needs of older citizens. The William E Hale Activity Center is a 50+ dedicated community center. The Hale Senior Activity Center has a very broad range of activities and programs geared for older adult activities throughout the year. For details please reference the current City activities program that lists the many programs and activities available on a daily basis.
The City of Dunedin all volunteer Committee on Aging (DCoA) was established in 1992 by City Resolution. Their mission is to plan, promote, coordinate and implement programs and services which contribute to the quality of aging in Dunedin. Dunedin was selected as the very first recipient of the Florida Department of Elders statewide “Communities for a Lifetime Award” in 2007, and then again in 2009.The DCoA works closely with the City to sponsor several annual programs. In conjunction with National Older Americans Month, the Senior Hall of Fame award, now entering its 20th year, celebrates Dunedin residents who are 75 years or older who have demonstrated the art of aging successfully and donated time and abilities to serve the Community. Nominations come from the community and 2 or more residents are selected. A luncheon is held in their honor, their history and contributions reviewed and a plaque with their picture is placed in the Hale Center Senior Hall of Fame. The DCoA collaborates with the City and sponsors an annual Intergenerational Week to encourage communication and respect between generations within families and neighborhood. During IG Week, special activities are sponsored to encourage intergenerational bonding on an ongoing basis to help youth understand the needs of their elders, and to make an extra effort to engage them in meaningful activities throughout the year. For this and other Intergenerational efforts, Dunedin was selected in 2013 as a “Best Intergenerational Community” by the MetLife Foundation/Generations United, and recognizing the City as a national leader in support of intergenerational interdependence.From policy – like Zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units – to infrastructure changes, such as accommodations in walkways and intersections, to support for senior and intergenerational events and activities, and, through a general honoring of its elder citizens, Dunedin clearly demonstrates leadership and continuing commitment to being a community in which to age well, and to meet the goals an Age-Friendly Community.