Communities for a Lifetime is a statewide initiative, begun in 1999, that assists Florida cities, towns and counties in planning and implementing improvements that benefit their residents, youthful or elder. The Communities for a Lifetime Bureau is comprised of the following focus areas: Housing, Transportation, Employment, Health and Wellness, Volunteerism, and Intergenerational Programs.

Through the Communities for a Lifetime initiative, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs helps to form innovative and effective partnerships in each community to help residents and leaders identify, assess and implement plans to fit their elder housing needs. The department is researching and advocating for best practices in elder housing planning, design and construction to meet the needs of elders and youth alike.

Transportation plays a vital role in the lives of elder Floridians, and no single solution can meet all the mobility needs of Florida's senior population. Mobility and accessibility are essential for independent living, and transportation is the link that allows access to needed services and activities. Participating Communities for a Lifetime are realizing through their visioning efforts that other mobility options such as sidewalks, bike lanes and safe crosswalks are not just extras, but essential investments in the health and safety of their residents of all ages.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program has two important purposes: first, to increase participants' economic self-sufficiency; and second, to increase the number of persons who may benefit from unsubsidized employment. This program is an important component of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative because it affords participants the opportunity to remain independent in their communities.

Health promotion, disease prevention, and injury prevention activities and programs are a priority for older adults, their families and the health care system. Promoting the healthy lifestyles of older people is vital in helping them to maintain health and functional independence and lead healthy and independent lives. Communities for a Lifetime is a tool that promotes active living through policy, programs and physcial infrastructure.

The Communities for a Lifetime initiative brings elders together with their communities to share their knowledge and experience. The department is committed to building an elder-friendly and volunteer-friendly environment in every community throughout Florida. Volunteers enhance their own lives and the lives of those they serve. With committed volunteers, communities can offer a wide variety of services that would otherwise be unavailable.

For additional information on the Communities for a Lifetime initiative, vist the CFAL website or contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, 4040 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-7000 or call 850.414.2000.