MAPS 1 created new core facilities for our city, basically transforming our downtown area into a destination, both for our residents and visitors. Maps 2 created a new learning environment for our kids with much-needed improvements and new construction for our city schools.

Maps 3 gives us an unprecedented opportunity to become a senior-friendly community like none other. We could literally set the stage for transforming cities to be age friendly across the nation.

The population of residents over 65 will grow from 12% today to 20% in 2030, and in the future the population of those over age 65 will almost equal those under 20. Through MAPS 3, the City of Oklahoma City starts getting ready for this maturing of its population. It does this by including four important improvements that meet the strategies put forth in the position paper, MAPS for Seniors, which was an outcome of the 2005 Senior Summit, sponsored by eight senior oriented agencies (see 2005 Senior Summit Document).

These improvements are as follows:
♦ Multiple Senior Community Centers
♦ Improved Transit
♦ Sidewalks
♦ Trails for biking, walking and jogging

The most transforming of these for seniors would be the Senior Wellness and Aquatic Centers. Mayor Cornett invited Mayor John Hays of North Little Rock, Arkansas, to speak to the Push for MAPS 3 luncheon on November 16th, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. As explained by Mayor Hays, the center in his city is much more than a senior aquatic centers as first stated by the MAPS announcement, and even more than the health, wellness and aquatic centers that the city council resolution stated. These can be full-fledged community centers, built around a health and wellness theme, but also containing social spaces, library, computer room, activity rooms, ballroom and the like. At this same luncheon, Mayor Cornett said these would be built in all parts of the city and would be designed according to the particular needs in each part of the city.

In addition to North Little Rock, Arkansas, the city of Rogers, Arkansas has created an amazing place for their seniors aged 50 and older. Their Adult Wellness Center offers senior-geared fitness equipment, a wonderful indoor walking track, two swimming pools, a library, several conversation seating areas, and fitness and well-being classes. Daily participation averages over 1,000 people! They also have weekly jam sessions and Gospel sing-along’s and an occasional Karaoke event. They also offer piano lessons. Additional amenities include a game room, library and crafts studio. They feel it vitally important to keep the mind as well as the body conditioned. Arkansas residents 50 and older can obtain a membership for $25 per year.

Adding senior lifestyle centers has the potential to:
♦ Lower heath care costs for city corporations
♦ Recruit to and retain residents in our city
♦ Change our city’s image to one that aggressively pursues healthy lifestyles for its citizens

The population of older residents is wealthier, better educated and potentially healthier than persons in this age group in past generations. These people are already beginning to redefine “retirement” and “old age.”